Dolly Parton left her home in Sevierville, Tennessee to chase her dream of being a star in the mid-‘50s. After finding fame, she returned to her old stomping grounds and opened Dollywood on May 3, 1986. The theme park was a place for families to enjoy time together in the gorgeous Smoky Mountains. At the same time, it created hundreds of jobs for locals. Next year, the park will celebrate its 40th season.
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The park has changed over the years. Parton and her partners add more attractions, rides, and festivals all the time. At the same time, the park continues to grow all these years later. When the park opens for the 2025 season it will do so with a packed calendar to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
Dolly Parton on Dollywood’s Milestone Anniversary
Dolly Parton spoke about Dollywood’s history and the forthcoming milestone season in a statement. “I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” she shared. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs, and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of that for so many years,” she said. “When we opened Dollywood, the main thing I wanted to do was to give families a fun place where they could enjoy time spent together. I’m so proud of all the people who have worked to make Dollywood what it is today, and I want to thank all the guests who have supported and trusted us to help them create those days they’ll never forget,” she added.
“And just think, I spent opening day watching the parking lot because I was worried that people might not show up,” Parton said with a laugh. “But look how far we’ve come since then and we’re just getting started.”
40th Anniversary Plans
Dollywood will have several new and returning events to celebrate its 40th season. Season Passholder Preview Day on March 14 will kick the season off for a select group of parkgoers. The next day will see the beginning of the I Will Always Love You Music Festival which will run through April 13. Additionally, From the Heart—The Life and Music of Dolly Parton will return in the 2025 season. It tells the story of Dolly’s life from leaving her home to chase her dreams and her career.
The Flower & Food Festival will take place from April 18 to June 8. The festival will boast more than 500,000 flowers and Appalachian food for all.
The 2025 season will also see the premiere of a new 40th-anniversary show that will run from Memorial Day through the end of the summer. It will highlight the history of fan-favorite entertainment throughout Dollywood’s history.
For tickets and more information about Dollywood’s 40th season, check out the park’s official website.
Featured Image by AFF-USA/Shutterstock
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