Dollywood President ‘Had Extensive Conversations’ with Dolly Parton About Park’s Future as Posthumous Changes Announced

The new additions honor Parton’s love for nature, reading and dreaming, while highlighting her lasting impact

Dollywood Parks & Resorts President, Eugene Naughton and Dolly Parton
Dollywood President Eugene Naughton (left), and Dolly Parton at Dollywood in 1993 (right).Credit : Dollywood/Instagram; Ron Davis/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Dollywood will add new feature honoring Dolly Parton’s life and legacy, including a waterfall and stained glass windows in the chapel
  • The park will also introduce a new character, the Dream Maker, to inspire guests to dream and embrace kindness
  • The changes were announced by the park’s president a week after the country music icon’s death at age 80

Some changes are coming to Dollywood in the wake of Dolly Parton‘s death — just as the theme park’s “Dreamer-in-Chief” intended.

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The Pigeon Forge, Tenn. destination will introduce a number of experiences and installations throughout the grounds to pay tribute to Parton’s values, love and legacy, according to a Sept. 2 announcement from Dollywood.

“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, in a press release.

Dolly Parton attends the Opening Weekend Celebration of Dollywood on April 24, 1993 at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Dolly Parton at Dollywood in 1993.Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Among the additions are a cascading waterfall, intended as a place for reflection, and new stained glass windows in the chapel, which will feature the late star’s favorite Bible verse — “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” — by depicting every season in a mountain range.

Dollywood President 'Had Extensive Conversations' with Dolly Parton About Just-announced Posthumous Changes to Park
Rendering for new gateway to The Dollywood Experience at Dollywood.thedollywoodcompany

To honor Parton’s longtime support for children’s literacy through her Imagination Library, Dollywood will introduce a new character for guests to meet. Named the Dream Maker, the new face will inspire guests to “dream big, believe in themselves and lift others up through courage and kindness.”

An existing attraction that honors Dolly’s legacy will also receive an upgrade. A new “portal” will lead up to The Dolly Parton Experience, described in the release as a “fitting gateway to the area dedicated to celebrating the life and work” of the star.

And lastly, kiosks will pop up throughout the park as designated spots for visitors to share their own thoughts and memories of how Parton has impacted them.

Dolly Parton at the Dollywood Dewitt tour to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Dollywood and Passholder Preview Day held at the Celebrity Theater at Dollywood on March 14, 2025, in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Curtis/AFF-USA/Shutterstock

At present, Dollywood has a temporary memorial for Parton in its welcome plaza, welcoming those who wish to remember her, reflect on her impact, and “celebrate the joy she brought to so many people around the world.”

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