Dollywood Parks & Resorts has revealed plans for a series of new installations and visitor experiences designed to celebrate the life, values, and legacy of its Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton.
The upcoming additions will span the theme park, offering guests new ways to reflect on her faith, her love for the Great Smoky Mountains, and her lifelong dedication to children and literacy.
"Many of us had extensive conversations with Dolly through the years about how she would want us to carry her vision forward," said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. "Dollywood will always be a place where families find fun, kindness and joy—a place where they can make memories that last a lifetime, just like she would have wanted."
Peaceful Tributes at the Robert F. Thomas Chapel
The Robert F. Thomas Chapel, an inspirational setting for both generations of visitors and Dolly herself, is set to receive meaningful updates. Just outside the chapel's front steps, a cascading mountainside waterfall will be installed to provide a quiet, reflective space that highlights the natural beauty of the Smokies.
Additionally, the chapel will feature new stained-glass windows commissioned to reflect Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV), a Bible verse deeply meaningful to Dolly. The windows illustrate the changing seasons of the mountains, mirroring the various chapters of Dolly's life and career.
Inspiring the Next Generation in Wildwood Grove
Honoring Dolly’s passion for childhood literacy and her creation of the Imagination Library, which has gifted more than 330 million books worldwide, a new character named the Dream Maker will debut in Wildwood Grove in 2027.
Accompanied by her Dream Wagon, the Dream Maker will engage young visitors through storytelling and interactive experiences designed to encourage courage, kindness, and big dreams. Alongside this addition, special kiosks will be placed throughout Wildwood Grove, giving guests a dedicated space to share personal notes and thoughts about how Dolly inspired them.
Enhancing The Dolly Parton Experience
Visitors heading into The Dolly Parton Experience will be greeted by a new portal welcoming them into the immersive collection of memorabilia, stories, and milestones dedicated to the icon's life. For those looking to pay their respects, a special memorial remains in place within Dollywood's welcome plaza.
Beyond the Park Gates: "In Dolly’s Footsteps"
The tribute extends beyond the park boundaries with a new initiative from the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. Titled "In Dolly’s Footsteps," the program will introduce special walking-tour markers at various locations throughout Sevierville that Dolly and her family frequented during her youth, allowing visitors to explore the roots of her remarkable journey.
