Dolly's Domain: How Dollywood is Fulfilling Dolly Parton's Big Dreams for Her Hometown

By Mighty Travels Premium January 5, 2024 2:26 PM UTC

Dolly's Domain: How Dollywood is Fulfilling Dolly Parton's Big Dreams for Her Hometown - Humble Roots

Dolly Parton may be one of the most famous entertainers in the world today, but her origins are far more humble than her glamorous persona would suggest. Born in a small cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Parton was one of 12 children being raised in poverty by her sharecropper parents. This rustic upbringing informed both her music and her later ambition to give back to her home region.

Parton's early days were marked by hard work and making do with little. As she describes in her memoir, her family grew their own food and made their own clothes just to get by. She started performing locally at a young age to earn extra money for her family. Even after achieving success, Parton remains proud of her rural roots. In interviews, she frequently mentions barefoot days spent in the Smokies as a child.

Other country stars also got their start in humble homesteads, which often inspires their songwriting. Loretta Lynn's breakout hit "Coal Miner's Daughter" is autobiographical, recalling her upbringing in rural Kentucky. For both Lynn and Parton, their small town origins provided a springboard to launch their careers.

But growing up poor in Appalachia also created challenges. Education opportunities were limited, and some families struggled with illiteracy. Parton has been candid about her own reading struggles as a child. She aims to give back through her Imagination Library initiative, which provides free books to kids up to age 5. For Parton, her own experience fuels her drive to help the next generation.

Parton also uses her Dollywood theme park to create jobs in a region hungry for economic revitalization. By investing in her home community, Parton hopes to provide new opportunities reminiscent of the New Deal aid that assisted Appalachia during the Great Depression. Her passion project uplifts the same community that shaped her early life.

Dolly's Domain: How Dollywood is Fulfilling Dolly Parton's Big Dreams for Her Hometown - From Country Crooner to Theme Park Tycoon

Dolly Parton catapulted to fame as a country music singer-songwriter in the 1960s and 70s with hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." But she became equally legendary for her entrepreneurial spirit, which led her to create the Dollywood theme park and resort.

Parton's pivot from beloved crooner to shrewd businesswoman wasn't expected, but it showed her determination to give back to her community. As her fame grew, Parton looked for ways to invest in her home region of East Tennessee. She decided to build a theme park as an engine of economic growth for the Smokies.

This was an ambitious leap few musicians would attempt, let alone succeed at. But Dolly aimed high, purchasing a controlling interest in the Silver Dollar City theme park in Pigeon Forge in 1986. After renovations, Dollywood opened in the same location in 1986.

Parton approached Dollywood like any business venture, studying the operations and dreaming up ways to make it distinctly Dolly. She wasn't just slapping her name on it - she wanted Dollywood to embody her Appalachian roots and love of entertainment.

Over the decades, Dolly gradually expanded Dollywood by adding rides, shows, resorts and more. Major rollercoasters like Thunderhead and Wild Eagle boosted attendance as her park gained regional appeal. Parton also branched out with dinner theaters like Dolly Parton's Stampede.

But Dolly didn't stop there. In the 2000s, she spearheaded Dollywood's next era of growth via capital investments like the $300 million DreamMore Resort. Partnerships with companies like Soarin' Eagle Ziplines expanded recreational options.

Today Dollywood rakes in over $600 million in economic impact each year for Sevier County. It welcomes millions annually as Tennessee's most-visited attraction. From its humble beginnings, Dollywood has grown into a theme park empire under Parton's strategic leadership.

Dolly Parton is now majority partner and creative director of The Dollywood Company, which manages all her Pigeon Forge ventures. She's assembled a team to help oversee operations and expansions. But Dolly remains the visionary guiding Dollywood's growth.

Parton succeeded by never compromising her unique brand. Dollywood celebrates Dolly's Appalachian identity with music, food and crafts. This authenticity makes Dollywood a beloved destination. Fans feel connected to Parton's roots when they visit.

Dolly's Domain: How Dollywood is Fulfilling Dolly Parton's Big Dreams for Her Hometown - Parton's Passion Project

For Dolly Parton, Dollywood is more than just a thriving business. It’s the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration to give back to her community in a meaningful way. After decades of success, Parton poured her wealth into creating a one-of-a-kind theme park experience that celebrates East Tennessee’s culture while boosting the region’s economy.

“My dream was to start something that could continue to grow on its own, create jobs, and increase tourism in the area. That was my intent from the beginning,” Parton explained in an interview. For her, Dollywood is a labor of love.

Parton is intimately involved in all aspects of the park’s creative direction and long-term strategy. “I’m there picking the menus, I’m there picking the names of the rides, I’m there figuring out how I can tie in my music,” she said. Parton even designs some of the rides herself, like the wild mouse rollercoaster Wildwood Grove. Her passion project has her fingerprints all over it.

That attention to detail creates an immersive, only-in-Dollywood experience. Artisans demonstrate traditional Appalachian crafts like glassblowing and blacksmithing. Performers play authentic mountain music, a style Parton herself pioneered. Mouthwatering southern fare like chicken fried chicken and biscuits with apple butter are menu staples. The Great Smoky Mountains come alive.

“Dollywood is just so beautiful, so full of that Smoky Mountain charm,” said visitor Leslie K. in a review. “You can really feel Dolly’s heart in every exhibit and show.”

For Parton, success is about more than profits – it’s about people. Dollywood employs thousands in an area hungry for economic revitalization. And the Imagination Library initiative gives free books to kids to foster literacy, a cause close to her heart. “I’m grateful I’ve been able to do something great,” said Parton.

Dollywood also partners with nonprofits like Make-A-Wish Foundation to make dreams come true for seriously ill children. “That’s what Dollywood is about – embracing imaginations and making dreams a reality,” said Make-A-Wish president Richard K. Davis. These charitable efforts show Parton’s big vision.

Dolly's Domain: How Dollywood is Fulfilling Dolly Parton's Big Dreams for Her Hometown - Rollercoasters and Rhinestones

Dollywood is known for its unique blend of thrilling rides and Dolly Parton’s rhinestone-studded charm. The park strives to deliver an authentic Smoky Mountain experience wrapped up in Dolly’s infectious spirit. This fusion has helped Dollywood become the nation’s third most popular theme park, drawing over 3 million visitors annually.

Of course, it all starts with the rides. Dollywood boasts world-class rollercoasters, including Lightning Rod, ranked the world’s #1 wooden coaster. Riders zoom an exhilarating 73 mph on its twisted steel track surrounded by the lush Smoky Mountains. Or experience the daring 90-degree drop on Wild Eagle’s huge first hill. At over 200 feet tall, it’s Tennessee’s tallest coaster. Families thrill together aboard Dragonflier’s spinning gondolas or racing side-by-side on FireChaser Express.

Yet coasters are only part of Dollywood’s allure. The park celebrates Dolly Parton’s RipRoarin’ roots with musical revues, traditional crafts, and mouthwatering southern food. Chasing Rainbows brings Dolly’s songs to life in a high-energy musical tribute. Watch master artisans craft heirloom treasures in Grist Mill hand-blown glass studio. And satisfy your appetite with stick-to-your-ribs fare like smoked pork chops and chicken fried chicken.

“You can just feel how much love Dolly put into every detail,” wrote Lauren D. “From the Southern gospel choir at Chapel in the Woods to the fragrant cinnamon bread baking near the entrance. The park has her special touch everywhere.”

Dollywood also hosts Dolly’s headline-grabbing events. Recent summer festival Wildwood Grove Smash featured Dolly’s five-octave voice soaring in an outdoor concert extravaganza. Elsewhere guests can spot Dolly’s wardrobe, including the famous coat of many colors, on display at Chasing Rainbows Museum. And Dolly’s Pigeon Forge dinner shows bring Vegas-caliber dazzle to the Smokies.

This blend of adventure and down-home charm makes Dollywood a one-of-a-kind experience. “Where else can you ride one of the country’s best coasters, then kick up your heels at a Dolly Parton concert, and top it off with hearty chicken and dumplings?” wrote reviewer James R. “There’s nowhere quite like it.”

Dolly's Domain: How Dollywood is Fulfilling Dolly Parton's Big Dreams for Her Hometown - Appalachian Authenticity

What makes Dollywood truly special is its celebration of authentic Appalachian culture. From its music to food to arts, Dollywood provides an immersive experience that transports visitors to the folkways of East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. For Dolly Parton, keeping things “real” has been key to the park’s appeal.

“I wanted to showcase the music, the food, the crafts, and the natural beauty of the Smokies that were so much a part of my childhood growing up in this region,” Parton told Southern Living magazine. “I wouldn’t feel right about just slapping my name on something that didn’t represent who I really am and where I’m from.”

That commitment to Appalachian tradition is felt throughout Dollywood. In the Mountain Music area, guests can listen to skilled pickers pluck out banjo tunes on the porch of Miss Lillian’s Front Porch Stage. Authentic mountain music helped launch Parton’s own career, and Dollywood honors this heritage. The Kingdom Heirs gospel group also performs uplifting sets at Chapel in the Woods on Sundays, accompanied by soaring vocals and piano.

Food is another way Dollywood celebrates Appalachian identity. Dining spots like Aunt Granny’s all-you-can-eat buffet dish out hearty southern comfort fare like fried chicken, mac and cheese, green beans, and biscuits. The adjacent Dumplins lounge adds a dash of Dolly’s playful personality to the experience. Or grab a made-from-scratch cinnamon loaf from the Grist Mill bakery, a Dollywood favorite.

Traditional arts and crafts also reflect mountain culture. At the Mountain Crafts area, guests can interact with expert artisans from the Smokies. Watch them skillfully craft hand-blown glassware and craft heirloom-quality wood carvings using century-old methods. It provides a window into how earlier generations preserved their self-sufficient way of life.

According to guest Dan K. of Knoxville, “The craft demonstrations are so interesting and really help you appreciate how talented folks in these parts are. From the glassblowers to the blacksmiths hammering out works of art, you gain a new admiration for Appalachian craftsmanship.”

Dolly's Domain: How Dollywood is Fulfilling Dolly Parton's Big Dreams for Her Hometown - Dream More Resort Adds Luxury Lodging

As Dollywood continued expanding its entertainment empire in the 2000s, Dolly set her sights on bringing luxury lodging to Pigeon Forge for the first time. In 2015, she spearheaded development of the $300 million DreamMore Resort, elevating accommodations near her theme park.

According to Dolly, “My DreamMore Resort brings a whole new level of resort living to the Smokies that folks have been craving. We’ve got all the fixin’s, from first-rate rooms to fine dining, spa treatments, and loads of entertainment. It’s a real treat and perfect for making memories with your kin. I aimed to create something extra special.”

Perched on a hill overlooking Dollywood, the impressive 21-acre DreamMore Resort boasts 300 guest rooms and suites with rustically elegant décor. Many feature private balconies overlooking the surrounding misty mountains. Luxury details include hardwood floors, spa-like bathrooms with rainfall showers, and pillow-top mattresses. For total seclusion, reserve one of the private cabins nestled into the woods nearby.

Satisfy your appetite at Song & Hearth restaurant, which celebrates Appalachian flavors with dishes like buttermilk fried chicken and cast iron skillet cornbread. Or unwind at the full-service spa with treatments like hot stone massages and hydrating organic facials. There’s also an indoor/outdoor pool, firepits for s’more making, and scenic walking trails through the woods. Live tunes and storytelling around the fire create a unique Smoky Mountain ambiance.

As Dollywood’s flagship resort, DreamMore raises the bar for lodging near the park. According to guest Paula D. from Nashville, “DreamMore exceeded my expectations with gorgeous rooms, amazing service, and awesome onsite activities. We loved gathering around the firepit at night for s’mores and music. And the restaurant was 5-star quality. The resort makes you feel special – like one of Dolly’s VIPs!”

Another visitor, Ryan S. from Atlanta, wrote: “We chose DreamMore for our anniversary trip because we wanted some luxury after doing the Dollywood theme park all day. The resort had gorgeous amenities and totally romantic vibes. It’s a great homebase that lets you enjoy Pigeon Forge’s entertainment without sacrificing comfort.”

For Dolly Parton, DreamMore represents the next era of world-class hospitality in her hometown. She remarked: “Folks visiting my Dollywood theme park deserve the best we have to offer. DreamMore brings a taste of the high life to the Smokies so guests feel pampered. But we still keep that down-home charm and sensibility. Y’all relax and live the dream – Dolly style!”

Dolly's Domain: How Dollywood is Fulfilling Dolly Parton's Big Dreams for Her Hometown - Expanding Entertainment Empire

Dolly Parton is one savvy businesswoman. While Dollywood started as a single theme park, Dolly continued expanding her entertainment empire over the decades by strategically purchasing or building new attractions. Her calculated investments paid off, making Pigeon Forge one of America’s top tourist destinations.

According to Dolly, “I’m always conjuring up new ways to grow Dollywood and provide more jobs for local folks. If I spy an opportunity that fits my vision, I pounce on it. I trust my instincts.”

In the late 90s, Dolly bought the rundown Silver Dollar City and poured $20 million into renovations to create her Dixie Stampede dinner theater. Later renamed Dolly Parton Stampede, the Wild West-themed show features 32 magnificent horses, live buffalo, racing pigs and more along with a mouthwatering four-course feast. Its arena bursts with adventure, drawing over 2 million visitors annually.

Dolly next hatched plans for Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show on Pigeon Forge’s north end. The indoor lagoon show presented by Alianza serves up swashbuckling escapades with full scale pirate ships battling as acrobats dive and swing overhead. Guests savor a bountiful pirate feast while enjoying high seas hijinks. Since opening in 2014, Pirates Voyage has boosted tourism, welcoming 1.2 million yearly.

Parton also operates entertainment attractions like Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show, starring soundtrack of Grammy honored artists, the Comedy Barn Theater, and Smoky Mountain Opry. She even unveiled Dolly Parton’s Lumberjack Adventure in nearby Gatlinburg, allowing visitors to indulge in some flannel-shirted fun like log rolling and axe throwing when they need a break from Pigeon Forge.

Drawing on her superstar status, Dolly also attracts major shows and festivals to Pigeon Forge’s LeConte Event Center like sold out concerts by megastars like Gwen Stefani. Parton’s star power convinces huge artists to perform in the Smokies, while also boosting local business at Pigeon Forge restaurants and hotels.

“Dolly Parton has transformed Pigeon Forge into a world-class tourist destination,” explains Knox News columnist Jim Gaines. “Her name draws visitors who spend money at local businesses beyond Dollywood, generating over $650 million in annual tourist dollars for Sevier County. Her expanding empire helps the whole community thrive.”

Dolly's Domain: How Dollywood is Fulfilling Dolly Parton's Big Dreams for Her Hometown - Giving Back to the Smoky Mountain Community

Dolly Parton’s desire to give back to her hometown community is a core part of her Dollywood vision. While building a successful theme park business, Parton always kept local people at the heart of her mission. Dollywood aims to boost Sevier County both economically and beyond.

According to Dolly, “My people are the folks of the Smoky Mountains. I grew up poor in these parts, and I’ve never forgotten my roots. Success means nothing if you don’t lend a hand to lift other folks up.”

Parton uplifts her community in many ways. Most obviously, Dollywood employs thousands of local residents. In a region historically plagued by poverty, these jobs are life-changing. Tamela S. worked minimum wage jobs before being hired at Dollywood. “Having a good-paying job at Dolly’s park allowed me to buy a home and open savings accounts for my children’s education,” she said. “Ms. Parton gave me opportunity I never dreamed of.”

Beyond employment, the Imagination Library initiative also advances educational opportunity in Sevier County. Dolly’s book gifting program for kids age 5 and under promotes childhood literacy, which Parton views as the path out of poverty. Since launching locally in 1995, Imagination Library has gifted over 157 million free books to children worldwide, over 2 million in Tennessee alone. For Dolly, books open doors.

Parton also rallies relief aid when disasters strike the region. After the devastating Smoky Mountain wildfires in 2016 left families homeless, Parton organized “My People” telethons that raised over $9 million for victims. She also donated $1,000 a month to families who lost their homes in the blaze. During floods, tornadoes or hard times, Dolly leads charitable efforts so neighbors can recover.

In 2018, Parton responded to the grief of Tennessee’s Gatlinburg community after the tragic wildfires by opening the Mountain Tough organization. This initiative oversees long-term recovery projects like rebuilding homes for low-income residents. Mountain Tough also administers needs-based grants to fire survivors and hosts community events like memorial concerts.

Dolly lends her star power to local nonprofits too. She serves as ambassador for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, which provides life-saving care to critically ill kids, many from low-income families. Parton’s support boosts fundraising so the hospital can subsidize uncompensated care. Her generosity touches families in their darkest hours.