PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WLOS) — Dolly Parton greeted followers to kick off Dollywood’s 2026 season as the theme park opens for its 41st year in East Tennessee on Friday, March 13.
The Dolly-themed amusement park formally opened to the general public for the brand new season on March 13 with the I Will Always Love You Festival, which can debut two new reveals. This competition will run via April 12.
As she walked on stage through the presentation, she was met with a standing ovation. When she sat down to begin speaking, individuals had been shouting, “We love you, Dolly. We miss you.”
“I love you, too,” she stated. “And I’ve missed you, too. I’m not done yet.”
The nation music legend celebrated her eightieth birthday on Jan. 19 and has had some well being points which have prevented her from making public appearances. She talked concerning the park and likewise about her profession.
“There are more things coming. I’m not done,” she stated.
DOLLYWOOD NAMED NATION’S FAVORITE THEME PARK ONCE AGAIN
Debuting this season on the park is the $50 million all-new coaster expertise, “NightFlight Expedition.” Dollywood officers describe this trip as a “thrilling whitewater rafting excursion” that “takes guests soaring on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies.”
Dollywood, situated in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has traditionally been a extremely acclaimed and award-winning theme park that usually outranks main park opponents such as Walt Disney World. In 2025, Dollywood was as soon as once more named as TripAdvisor’s prime theme park within the U.S. The park additionally gained this title in 2024 and 2022.
For extra data on tickets, offers and occasions this season at Dollywood, click here.
