Before Dollywood welcomed its first visitors on May 3, 1986, Dolly Parton had envisioned creating a theme park in the scenic Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, her childhood home.
A 2023 article from USA Today features Parton reflecting on her childhood county fair visits, recalling, “If I make it big, if I get rich like I was dreaming I might, I’d love to do something special, to come back home and build a park of my own.”
Related: Dolly Parton shares her vision for Dollywood’s future, her ‘Tennessee mountain home’
In a 1982 interview with Barbara Walters, just four years prior to the park’s opening, Parton expressed her dream of creating a “Smoky Mountain fairyland,” akin to Disneyland, emphasizing her desire to build “one of the most wonderful places in the world.”
Anyone familiar with Parton’s remarkable journey will know she successfully transformed her dream of creating a space “where the culture and people of the Smoky Mountains would be celebrated and enjoyed by everyone” into reality.
Now celebrating its 40th season, Dollywood has experienced significant growth and evolution since its inception, but one constant remains: it is a cherished destination for families seeking fun and unforgettable memories in the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains.
Here’s a brief overview of the park’s history and a glimpse into its future.
Prior to adopting its current name, Dollywood underwent various ownerships and identities since the early 1960s. In 1986, the Herschend family, known for operating Silver Dollar City, sold a stake to Parton, redesigned several attractions, and rebranded the park as Dollywood.
Having spent her childhood just a few miles from the park, this collaboration enabled Parton to realize her vision of attracting visitors to the scenic Smoky Mountains while uplifting her local community. She continues to co-own the park alongside the Herschends.
Daily Newsletter
Enhance your inbox with the Flying Frugal Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides, and exclusive deals from Flying Frugal’s experts
Several attractions from Dollywood’s opening day remain operational today, including the Dollywood Express steam train, Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home (a replica of Parton’s childhood two-room cabin), the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, Aunt Granny’s Restaurant, the Back Porch Theater, and the Robert F. Thomas Chapel (named for the doctor who delivered Parton). Visitors can even participate in a weekly Sunday service there.
Just like the Dollywood Express, the park gained momentum throughout the 1990s.
Related: The 10 best rides at Dollywood for the whole family
During this decade, several major expansions were introduced, including the 7-acre Showstreet area near the park’s entrance, the Country Fair section featuring classic rides and carnival games reminiscent of those that inspired Parton, and the Jukebox Junction area, reflecting her hometown of Sevierville.
In 2001, Dollywood added a water park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, which is now celebrating its 25th anniversary.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Dollywood debuted several thrilling roller coasters.
In 2007, the park introduced the mystery-filled Mystery Mine, which features gravity-defying drops, including a staggering 95-degree, 85-foot plunge.
During this period, Dollywood also launched other thrilling attractions, such as Thunderhead, a wooden coaster; Wild Eagle, the first wing coaster in the United States; and Lightning Rod, another wooden roller coaster that reaches speeds of 73 mph.
The year 2015 marked the opening of Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, the park’s first on-site hotel, designed to reflect Parton’s stardom and Southern hospitality. This was followed by the unique opportunity to stay in Parton’s former tour bus in 2022 and the opening of Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort in 2023.
Related: 11 best hotels near Dollywood
This year, Flying Frugal attended the grand opening of Dollywood’s newest and longest roller coaster, Big Bear Mountain. Parton made a delightful appearance in a bear costume, singing a song she wrote for the occasion.
Last year, Dollywood introduced The Dolly Parton Experience, an interactive museum showcasing exhibits about Parton’s career, costumes, family, and more.
Since opening, the park has more than doubled in size and set record attendance figures last year. Speculations suggest that Dollywood may be expanding again in 2026, although details remain sparse. At this season’s grand opening media event, it was announced that the new addition will be a “revolutionary experience unlike anything anywhere else in the world.”
Dolly Parton has contributed much more than her name to Dollywood. By featuring local artisans in the park and incorporating elements of her childhood and career, Parton’s life and legacy are woven into the very fabric of this beloved destination.
“On opening day in 1986, I just hoped people would want to visit a theme park named after me. Even though I always aim for big dreams, I’ll admit I was nervous that first morning,” Parton remarked at the 40th season opening event. “But people did turn out to support us that first day, and I’m immensely proud to see Dollywood grow into a place of joy and connection for all who visit,” she expressed.
While Parton might have been surprised by Dollywood’s early success, none of the park’s visitors are shocked that it has become a premier family travel destination in the country.
Related reading:
