The Dollywood Parks & Resorts family is preparing to introduce several new experiences and installations designed to celebrate the extraordinary life, legacy and vision of its beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton.
The upcoming additions, which will debut over the coming months and into 2027, will give Dollywood guests new opportunities to reflect on Dolly’s remarkable life, her faith, her love for the Great Smoky Mountains and the values that helped shape both her career and the theme park that bears her name.
From new elements at the Robert F. Thomas Chapel to an all-new character inspired by the power of imagination in Wildwood Grove, Dollywood’s upcoming additions will further connect guests with the values of kindness, imagination, family, and togetherness that have long been at the heart of Dolly’s vision.
Carrying Dolly’s Vision Forward
For decades, Dolly dreamed of creating a place where families could step away from the worries of everyday life, spend time together, and make memories that would last a lifetime.
That vision remains at the center of Dollywood Parks & Resorts as the destination continues to grow.
“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. 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.”
The new additions planned throughout the park are intended to ensure that Dolly’s influence continues to be felt by generations of future guests.
New Additions Coming to the Robert F. Thomas Chapel
One of the most meaningful additions will take place at the Robert F. Thomas Chapel, a location that has long provided a peaceful and inspirational setting for both Dolly and generations of Dollywood guests.
The chapel will receive several new elements reflecting Dolly’s faith and her lifelong connection to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Just outside the front steps, Dollywood plans to add a cascading mountainside waterfall. The new feature will create a tranquil place where guests can pause, reflect, and enjoy the natural surroundings that played such an important role in inspiring Dolly throughout her life and career.
The chapel will also receive new stained-glass windows commissioned to reflect Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV), a Bible verse that held deep meaning for Dolly:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Inspired by Dolly’s love for the Smoky Mountains and the many chapters of her life and career, the new windows will depict the changing seasons of the mountains.
The Dream Maker Coming to Wildwood Grove in 2027
Another major addition will arrive in Wildwood Grove in 2027 with the debut of an all-new character known as the Dream Maker.
The experience will celebrate one of the most significant parts of Dolly’s legacy: her belief in children, imagination and the power of dreaming big.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become one of her most impactful accomplishments, providing more than 330 million books to children around the world. The program is the largest children’s literacy initiative of its kind and reflects Dolly’s belief that imagination and access to books can help change lives.
The new Dream Maker character will bring those ideas to life inside Wildwood Grove through storytelling and interactive experiences designed to encourage children and families to dream big, believe in themselves, and lift others through courage and kindness.
Guests will also encounter the Dream Maker’s Dream Wagon, where children will have opportunities to share their own dreams, hear stories inspired by Dolly, and discover how dreams can become even more meaningful when they are shared with others.
Special kiosks will also be installed throughout Wildwood Grove, giving guests a place to share personal messages and thoughts about how Dolly inspired them to pursue their own dreams.
A New Entrance for The Dolly Parton Experience
Dollywood is also planning a new portal into The Dolly Parton Experience.
The updated entrance will serve as a new gateway into the attraction’s immersive collection of stories, moments, and memorabilia celebrating Dolly’s incredible life and career.
The Dolly Parton Experience has become one of the park’s most personal and meaningful attractions, offering guests the opportunity to explore the journey of the woman whose imagination helped transform a small mountain community into one of the world’s most beloved theme park destinations.
The new entrance will provide an enhanced welcome into the area while continuing to celebrate the life and work of Dollywood’s Dreamer-in-Chief.
A Place to Remember and Celebrate Dolly
Guests visiting Dollywood can also visit a memorial located in the park’s welcome plaza.
The memorial provides a dedicated place for those who wish to pause and reflect on Dolly’s life, honor her many contributions, and celebrate the joy she brought to millions of people around the world.
For generations of fans, Dolly’s connection to Dollywood has represented far more than a celebrity lending her name to a theme park. Her personality, values, and love for the Smoky Mountains have been woven throughout the destination, from its attractions and entertainment to its hospitality and focus on family.
The memorial provides guests with another opportunity to recognize that lasting impact.
“In Dolly’s Footsteps” Coming to Sevierville
The celebration of Dolly’s life and legacy will also extend beyond the gates of Dollywood.
A new program called “In Dolly’s Footsteps,” developed by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, is expected to debut soon.
The experience will feature special walking-tour markers placed at locations throughout Sevierville that were important to Dolly and her family during her childhood.
Visitors will be able to learn more about the places, experiences and community that helped shape Dolly into the person and performer she would eventually become.
One of the new markers was displayed for members of the media during the announcement, offering an early look at how the program will connect visitors with the history and locations that played an important role in Dolly’s early life.
Dolly’s Legacy Will Continue to Shape Dollywood
Together, the upcoming additions represent an effort to preserve and celebrate the spirit behind Dolly’s original vision for Dollywood.
As the theme park and resort destination continues to expand, its future will remain connected to the values that Dolly championed throughout her life: kindness, imagination, faith, family, and the importance of bringing people together.
For guests, the new experiences will provide opportunities to learn more about Dolly’s remarkable story while creating memories of their own with family and friends.
Dolly’s influence will continue to be woven into the experiences shared throughout Dollywood, the dreams inspired in future generations and the lives touched by the destination she helped build.
For more information about Dollywood Parks & Resorts, guests can visit the official website or download the Dollywood app.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83
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