PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WOKI – Sept. 2, 2026) — Dollywood officials have announced a series of new attractions, installations and guest experiences designed to honor the life, values and enduring legacy of founder Dolly Parton.
The new additions, set to roll out over the coming months and into 2027, will provide guests with opportunities to reflect on Parton’s faith, generosity, imagination and lifelong connection to the Great Smoky Mountains while continuing the family-friendly mission she envisioned for the park.
“Many of us had extensive conversations with Dolly through the years about how she would want us to carry her vision forward,” said Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton. “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.”
Chapel Enhancements Reflect Dolly’s Faith
One of the most significant projects will focus on the Robert F. Thomas Chapel, a location long associated with Parton’s faith and love for the Smokies.
A new cascading mountainside waterfall will be constructed outside the chapel, creating a peaceful setting where visitors can pause and reflect. The chapel also will receive custom stained-glass windows inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:1, a Bible verse that held special meaning for Parton.
The windows will depict the changing seasons of the Great Smoky Mountains, symbolizing both the natural beauty of East Tennessee and the many chapters of Parton’s life and career.
Imagination Library Inspires New Experiences
Dollywood also is expanding its tribute to Parton’s lifelong commitment to children’s literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The program, which has distributed more than 330 million books worldwide, will be celebrated through the introduction of a new character called the Dream Maker in Wildwood Grove beginning in 2027.
The Dream Maker and her Dream Wagon will encourage children to dream big, believe in themselves and show kindness to others through interactive storytelling and guest participation.
Special kiosks throughout Wildwood Grove will allow visitors to leave messages and share stories about how Parton inspired their own dreams and aspirations.
New Entrance Coming to Dolly Parton Experience
Guests visiting The Dolly Parton Experience also will be greeted by a new entrance portal designed to serve as a gateway into the attraction’s collection of memorabilia, personal stories and exhibits celebrating Parton’s life and accomplishments.
Park officials say the enhanced entry experience will help set the tone for one of Dollywood’s most popular attractions dedicated to the park’s founder.
Memorial Remains Place of Reflection
A memorial honoring Parton continues to stand in Dollywood’s Welcome Plaza, providing visitors with a dedicated place to remember and celebrate her life, contributions and impact on millions of people around the world.
The memorial has become a gathering place for guests wishing to reflect on her legacy and the joy she brought throughout her career.
“In Dolly’s Footsteps” Coming to Sevierville
Beyond the park, visitors soon will have an opportunity to explore locations that helped shape Parton’s childhood through a new initiative called “In Dolly’s Footsteps.”
Developed by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, the program will feature walking-tour markers placed throughout Sevierville at sites that Parton and her family frequented while she was growing up.
The markers will offer historical information and insight into the experiences that influenced her journey from the Smoky Mountains to international stardom.
Carrying Dolly’s Vision Forward
Dollywood officials say the new experiences are designed to ensure Parton’s values of kindness, imagination, faith and togetherness remain at the heart of the park for generations to come.
As Dollywood continues to grow, leaders say guests will continue to encounter reminders of the woman whose vision transformed the theme park into one of Tennessee’s most beloved destinations.
For more information, visit http://Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood mobile app.
