Dolly Parton returned to Dollywood Friday to kick off the park’s 41st season, reassuring fans of its health while celebrating a landmark year for the park and the country.
Parton said she recently stepped away from touring to focus on her health and personal life, but stressed that she remains energetic for the future.
“I haven’t been on tour, as you know,” Parton said. “I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of it…I’ve just been a little burned out, grieving because of Carl and a lot of other little things going on. I just found myself back where I needed to rebuild myself spiritually, emotionally and physically. But it’s all good. It hasn’t slowed me down.”
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Dolly Parton opened the 41st season of her Dollywood theme park. (Bridget Bennett/AFP via Getty Images)
Parton also addressed the rumors about her personal life, saying she has no plans to remarry following the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
“Well, I know there are a lot of rumors going around, but I didn’t marry Sylvester Stallone,” she joked. “And I’m not dating anyone. I’m not married. I don’t think I’ll ever get married, but once. I think Carl Dean is waiting for me on the other side.”
The beloved country music The icon appeared in the park as Dollywood kicks off its new season with celebrations tied to America’s upcoming 250th birthday, including patriotic decor, new entertainment and demonstrations of traditional Appalachian crafts.
The Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. (The Dollywood Co.)
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Park officials say the heritage of the Smoky Mountains remains at the heart of the experience.
“We’re here in the middle of God’s own country,” Eugene Naughton, president of The Dollywood Company, told FOX Business. “A love of the Smoky Mountains is one of the things that makes people want to come here, and we are fortunate to have the No. 1 visited national park just 6 miles away.”
Dollywood is also unveiling a major new attraction this season, the $50 million NightFlight Expedition indoor adventure roller coaster, inspired by the bioluminescent synchronous fireflies that light up the Smoky Mountains each summer.
The park, rated #1 theme park by Tripadvisor in the United States, continues to expand its footprint as tourism grows in the East Tennessee region. The company has already developed two hotel complexes and plans additional accommodation.
The HeartSong Lodge and Resort with the DreamMore Resort and Spa in the background. (The Dollywood Co.)
“We have planned a total of five resorts on the property,” Naughton said. “We own 1,142 acres, and approximately 46 million people living within a nine-hour drive of our property are theme park users. I’m really excited to talk to more people around the world about the cool things happening here.”
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Beyond the Smoky Mountains, Parton is also expanding its hotel presence in Tennessee.
“Of course, we have the new hotel, Songteller, opening in late summer and early fall in Nashville,” she said.
The Dragonflier roller coaster at the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Dollywood’s growth comes as the theme park industry as a whole faces economic pressures. Data from Consumer Edge shows that spending at U.S. theme parks fell about 5% last summer compared to 2024, as rising costs led some low- and middle-income families to cut back on travel and entertainment.
Park executives say Dollywood’s emphasis on family-friendly experiences and regional culture helps it stand out.
“It’s very family oriented,” said Julie Collins, a locomotive engineer and foreman at Dollywood. “We love it when families come and ride the train. Some kids have never seen a real steam locomotive before, so it’s their first time. That’s why they come here. It’s kind of a childhood dream.”
The Dollywood Express steam train at the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. (The Dollywood Co.)
For Parton, the park’s success ultimately comes down to something simpler than attractions or investments.
“I pray a lot and God has been really good to me,” she said. “But I think a lot of it comes down to good management and how we treat people… They feel loved and appreciated, and we want them to always feel that way.”
Dollywood officially open to the public Friday with the I Will Always Love You Festival, kicking off what the park hopes will be a strong season in the Smoky Mountains.
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Parton said fans should expect even more projects to come.
“I just wrote a lot, thought a lot, prayed a lot and prepared a lot for a lot of new things to come,” she said. “Be ready for me. I’m not done. I’m not almost done.”
