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

