Dollywood is honoring the legacy of Dolly Parton.
The Tennessee theme park has announced several permanent ways it will pay tribute to the music icon following the sad news of her passing at age 80 last week.
Dollywood president Eugene Naughton revealed several projects in the works to honor their “Dreamer-In-Chief,” the affectionate nickname given to Dolly.
“Many of us had extensive conversations with Dolly through the years about how she would want us to carry her vision forward,” he said in a statement.
“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. We will carry her dreams forward by continuing to grow, welcoming even more guests, and sharing the warmth and hospitality of which she was so proud.”
What Will Change at Dollywood?
The Robert F. Thomas Chapel will “receive new elements that reflect Dolly’s faith and connection to the Smoky Mountains,” the theme park announced, including a cascading mountainside waterfall outside the front steps. New stained-glass windows will reflect Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV), the Bible verse that resonated deeply with Dolly: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
The windows will depict the changing seasons of the mountains, inspired by her love for the Smokies and “the many seasons of her life and career.”
A new character, the Dream Maker, will come to Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove area in 2027.
“Through stories and interactive experiences, the Dream Maker will encourage guests to dream big, believe in themselves and lift others up through courage and kindness. The Dream Maker and her Dream Wagon will give children an opportunity to share their own dreams, hear stories inspired by Dolly and discover that dreams can become even more meaningful when they are shared with others,” the park announced.
There will also be special kiosks placed throughout Wildwood Grove for guests to share their own thoughts and notes about how Dolly inspired them to dream.
A new portal into The Dolly Parton Experience will “welcome guests into the attraction’s immersive collection of moments, stories and memorabilia.”
There is currently a memorial in Dollywood’s welcome plaza for those who wish to remember and celebrate Dolly.
How Will Dolly Parton Be Honored Outside Dollywood?
“In Dolly’s Footsteps,” a new program developed by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, will debut soon.
Here’s more about the program: “Special walking-tour markers will be placed at locations throughout Sevierville that Dolly and her family frequented in her youth, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the places and experiences that helped shape her. One of the markers was on display for media during the announcement.”
In addition, Dolly‘s estate has announced the launch of DollyFest.
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