Dolly Parton greets guests at Dollywood’s 40th anniversary with new attractions and a 2026 surprise

Dolly Parton greeted visitors at the start of her amusement park Dollywood’s 40th anniversary. She appeared before the public for the first time after her husband, Carl Dean, died on March 3.

The Jolene singer used the occasion to thank everyone who extended their love and support to her. Dolly Parton shared park developments with Eugene Naughton, the Parks & Resorts President of Dollywood.

Dollywood anniversary milestones

The theme park Dollywood achieved exceptional results in 2024 before preparing for a busy 2025. This year, Tripadvisor declared the establishment as their top theme park in the United States. Audience experts from USA Today included The Dolly Parton Experience among the top new theme park attractions from last season. Two landmarks at Dollywood - the park’s Splash Country, which celebrates its 25th anniversary, and the DreamMore Resort & Spa, which marks its 10-year anniversary, are some of its favourite attractions.


The 30th anniversary of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is also being celebrated. The program has gifted more than 270 million books to children globally since its inception. The Imagination Playhouse, which showcases performances based on books from Dolly’s reading program, will now become a permanent addition to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

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A sneak peek at a groundbreaking 2026 attraction

The upcoming year will witness Dolly Parton unveil an innovative attraction for 2026. Naughton maintained secrecy about the details but declared the new attraction as unique. He said the facility will represent an unparalleled attraction that the world has never seen before.

Post off-season renovation, DollyPark introduced modern attractions like a new splash pad in Country Fair, seat expansion, and both new village and theater facilities. The new 750-space parking lot along with Wilderness Pass Restaurant will be available to visitors during spring this year. A ten-year expansion project worth $500 million forms a central part of new development plans from 2021.

Music, entertainment and a tribute to Dolly’s journey

The first entertainment extravaganza of the year begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, which extends till April 13. Different musical and culinary features at this event will pay tribute to Dolly Parton's enduring legacy. From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton stands out as the main attraction through its story about how the singer rose from her Sevier County roots to become a worldwide icon.

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Dollywood starts its 40th anniversary season as it marks only the start of the exciting events yet to come.

FAQs:

1. What major attraction is coming to Dollywood in 2026?
   While details remain a mystery, Dolly Parton has promised a revolutionary experience for her fans.
   

What new features are being added to Dollywood in 2025?
New additions include a splash pad, expanded seating in Country Fair, an upgraded theater, a new restaurant, and a 750-space parking lot.