Dollywood Parks & Resorts announced extensive plans on September 2, 2026, for its 2027 season, dedicating the year to honoring the life and legacy of its founder, Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton is still alive. The upcoming tributes, which include new attractions, interactive guest experiences, and significant updates to existing features, were all reviewed and approved by Parton prior to her death.
The 2027 season will mark a pivotal moment for the Pigeon Forge theme park. It will transform into a living memorial, allowing millions of visitors to engage with Parton’s story and spirit. Dollywood President Eugene Naughton detailed the initiatives, emphasizing their role in continuing Parton’s vision for the park as a place of joy, family, and Appalachian heritage.
A Season of Remembrance: The 2027 Tributes
The core of Dollywood‘s 2027 plans revolves around several key tribute elements designed to immerse guests in Dolly Parton’s world. These additions are spread across the park, ensuring her presence is felt throughout the guest experience.
Wildwood Grove, one of the park’s newer areas, will introduce a new character named ‘Dream Maker.’ This character will embody Parton’s inspirational message of dreaming big and working hard. The addition aims to connect younger generations with the foundational values Parton championed.
Interactive kiosks will be installed throughout the park. These stations will invite guests to share their personal stories and memories related to Dolly Parton. This initiative seeks to create a collective tapestry of Parton’s impact on individuals, fostering a sense of community and shared remembrance.
Spiritual and Visual Enhancements
The spiritual heart of Dollywood, the Robert F. Thomas Chapel, will receive significant enhancements. A new mountainside waterfall feature will be constructed near the chapel. This waterfall will incorporate a guitar-shaped sculpture, symbolizing Parton’s musical legacy and her deep connection to the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
Inside the Robert F. Thomas Chapel, new stained-glass windows will be installed. These windows are expected to depict scenes from Parton’s life, her music, and her philanthropic efforts, offering a visual narrative of her journey and contributions.
The Dolly Parton Experience: An Evolution
‘The Dolly Parton Experience,’ a popular attraction within the park, will undergo a substantial update for the 2027 season. This reimagined experience will feature a new portal, guiding guests into Parton’s world with fresh perspectives.
A new film will be central to the updated experience. This film is anticipated to offer an intimate look into Parton’s life, career, and her vision for Dollywood. The narrative will likely incorporate rare footage and personal reflections.
The finale of ‘The Dolly Parton Experience’ will also be updated. This revised conclusion aims to provide a powerful and emotional culmination, leaving guests with a lasting impression of Parton’s enduring spirit and influence.
Festival Kick-off and Long-Term Growth
The 2027 season at Dollywood is expected to commence with the ‘I Will Always Love You Festival.’ This festival typically runs from mid-March to mid-April, celebrating Parton’s iconic song and her broader musical contributions. The festival will likely take on added significance in 2027 as the first major event following her passing.
These immediate tribute plans are part of a larger, ongoing strategic vision for Dollywood. The park is currently in the midst of a 10-year expansion plan, which was initially announced in 2021. This ambitious project involves a half-billion-dollar investment aimed at enhancing the entire Dollywood Parks & Resorts complex, including new attractions, lodging, and infrastructure improvements.
The expansion reflects Parton’s long-held desire to grow Dollywood as a premier family destination. The 2027 tributes will integrate seamlessly into this broader growth strategy, ensuring that while the park evolves, its core identity remains deeply rooted in the values and personality of its founder.
A Legacy Ensured
Dolly Parton’s involvement in the planning of these 2027 tributes underscores her dedication to her park and her fans. Her approval of the plans before her death ensures that the upcoming celebrations accurately reflect her wishes and spirit. This foresight provides a comforting continuity for both the Dollywood team and its millions of annual visitors.
The park’s commitment to these tributes solidifies its role not just as an entertainment venue, but as a living monument to one of America’s most beloved figures. The 2027 season will serve as a collective moment of remembrance, celebration, and inspiration.
Families will gather. Fans will gather. Memories will gather.
Dollywood.
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