Dollywood Starts into 40th Anniversary Season

(eap) Last weekend, the US theme park Dollywood kicked off its 40^th season. To mark the anniversary, co-owner and singer Dolly Parton welcomed the first guests and gave a preview of the coming season as well as of a new project for 2026.

“Thank you to our guests and the community for the support they’ve given to my Dollywood for 40 years,” Dolly said about the historic milestone for her award-winning park. “It’s hard to believe it has been that long, but it never would have lasted if it hadn’t been for you – our guests. On opening day in 1986, I was just hoping that people would really want to come visit a theme park with my name on it. And even though I always try to dream big, I’ll admit I was a little bit nervous that first morning. But people did come out to support us that first day, and I’m so proud to see that Dollywood has continued to grow through the years to become a place of fun and togetherness for everyone who has come to visit.”

© Dollywood

After a record number of visitors in the 2024 season, when the park opened the “Dolly Parton Experience”, this season visitors can discover the results of some work in the off-season. Firstly, the “Country Fair” area has been revamped. Visitors can now find a new splash pad and an extended seating area here. The Village has also received an upgrade. The “Imagination Playhouse” has been redesigned. Plays based on books from Dolly’s Imagination Library will be performed here from April 19 to the end of September. Visitors can also look forward to numerous events in the 2025 season, starting with the “I Will Always Love You Music Festival”, which runs until April 13. Work is also underway on the “Wilderness Pass Restaurant” and a new 750-space parking lot, which are scheduled to open later this spring.

In a teaser video, a major project for 2026 was also announced. Resort President Eugene Naughton believes that the novelty will help to further strengthen Dollywood’s status in the industry ... “Dollywood Parks & Resorts is growing at a rate that many people wouldn’t believe,” he said. “We had record attendance last year, and we’re setting ourselves up with continued growth thanks to our 40^th anniversary season this year and what’s up ahead due to our 2026 attraction. We’re not ready to share the details, but I can tell you it will be a revolutionary new experience unlike anything anywhere else in the world. We’re able to add these experiences because of the unwavering support of our guests and the dedication of our hosts to create the friendliest and most welcoming theme park environment in the industry. This is our 40^th anniversary season, but I can promise you, we’re just getting started.” ■