Dollywood is to introduce a series of new attractions and memorial features honouring Dolly Parton, following the death of the country music icon at the age of 80.
The Tennessee theme park announced the plans on Wednesday, September 2, less than two weeks after Parton died on August 25 following cancer. She was known at Dollywood as its “Dreamer-in-Chief”.
New Dream Maker character planned for Dollywood
A new character called the Dream Maker will arrive in the Wildwood Grove area in 2027. Inspired by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the character will feature in stories and interactive experiences encouraging visitors to dream boldly, believe in themselves and support others.
The literacy programme, founded by Parton, has given more than 330 million books to children around the world. Dollywood said the new character would reflect her belief in the importance of imagination and childhood learning.
Further changes are planned around the Robert F Thomas Chapel, a one-room church inside the park named after the doctor who delivered Parton. A cascading waterfall will be built outside the chapel’s front steps, creating a place for visitors to pause and reflect.
The chapel will also receive stained-glass windows depicting the changing seasons of the Great Smoky Mountains. The designs will be based on Ecclesiastes 3:1, a Bible verse that held particular significance for Parton.
Visitors will be able to leave their own memories and messages about Parton at new tribute kiosks. Dollywood also plans to expand The Dolly Parton Experience, a collection of buildings containing exhibits about her life, music and career.
Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, said the park would continue to develop the vision it had discussed with Parton during her lifetime.
“Dollywood will always be a place where families find fun, kindness and joy,” he said in a statement. “We will carry her dreams forward by continuing to grow, welcoming even more guests, and sharing the warmth and hospitality of which she was so proud.”
Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, lies a short distance from Parton’s home town of Sevierville in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The park is Sevier County’s largest employer and has become one of the region’s biggest tourist attractions.
Sevierville is also planning to install markers across the city for a self-guided walking tour of locations connected to Parton’s life and career.
