Dollywood Vows to Keep Spreading Dolly Parton’s Joy for Generations

Quick Smiles:

• Dollywood will stay open to honor Dolly Parton’s vision of family fun and kindness
• A brand-new Dream Maker character arrives in 2027 to inspire kids to dream big
• The Robert F. Thomas Chapel is getting a gentle makeover so guests can pause, reflect, and smile

When Dollywood Parks & Resorts lost its beloved founder, many wondered what would happen to the cherished theme park. Each year, thousands of families travel to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to escape for a dream vacation to Dollywood.

On September 2, 2026, Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President, shared that the tradition will continue for years to come.

“Many of us had extensive conversations with Dolly through the years about how she would want us to carry her vision forward,” Eugene shared in a news release. “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.”

Eugene Naughton shared shortly after Dolly Parton’s passing that Dollywood would remain open to honor its iconic founder. The park currently has a makeshift memorial set up where fans can pay their respects.

That will soon be replaced with more permanent structures meant to honor Dolly. Among them, the Robert F. Thomas Chapel will receive a makeover that includes new stained-glass windows and a cascading waterfall for guests to reflect.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and her commitment to literacy inspired a new character for Dollywood. The Dream Maker will come to Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove in 2027 and “will encourage guests to dream big, believe in themselves, and lift others up through courage and kindness. The Dream Maker and her Dream Wagon will give children an opportunity to share their own dreams, hear stories inspired by Dolly, and discover that dreams can become even more meaningful when they are shared with others.”

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