Eugene Naughton, the Dollywood Company’s third president, is an industry veteran. He joined Dollywood as the vice president of park operations in 2019. He became president a year later, leveraging three decades of experience in roles at Paramount and Six Flags. “I’ve got a long history in the theme park business, but thankfully have only worked for two companies prior to my experience here at the Dollywood Company,” he told blooloop.
Dollywood, a 160-acre theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is jointly owned by Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. Opened in 1986, the attraction offers more than 40 world-class rides and attractions, alongside award-winning shoes and dining. It boasts ‘the friendliest park atmosphere in the world’.
“There is a misconception that the park itself is all about Dolly. Dollywood is not a 170-acre Graceland,” said Naughton. “It really is about the Smoky Mountains. It’s about the beauty of the area, the people, the culture. We leverage all of those things as pillars of our brand.”
Dollywood is opening its longest coaster to date, the $25 million Big Bear Mountain, in spring 2023. Riders will see the Smokies while searching for ‘Big Bear’ in SUV-style ride vehicles. “The Smokies are all about adventure and going exploring,” said Parton.
Currently under construction, the HeartSong Lodge & Resort is the first project in a $500m investment plan over the next decade. It is scheduled for completion in 2023. “I’m always dreaming and coming up with new ideas and things I want our guests to experience,” Naughton added.
“I’m so proud of this place that we’ve been able to build here in the Smokies. I always dreamed of accomplishing two things with Dollywood. I wanted to give jobs to the folks who live here, and I wanted to give visitors another reason to come and experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.”