Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee has opened a new experience for fans of country legend Dolly Parton.
The Dolly Parton Experience was opened by Dolly and Dollywood officials on 24 May. It has replaced the park’s Chasing Rainbows Museum.
“Our old museum really needed a facelift, but instead of a nip and tuck we just decided to start all over,” said Dolly.
“There are a lot of interactive elements and technology all through the area, but luckily for all of you, there are no holograms of me in there anywhere. I think the last thing this world needs is a bunch of ‘Dolly-grams’ running around everywhere.”
Located in multiple buildings at the Dollywood theme park, the experience takes guests on an interactive journey with Dolly as she makes her way from Locust Ridge to stages across the globe.
Dollywood’s entire ‘Adventures in Imagination’ area has been completely transformed to create the Dolly Parton Experience, which features exhibits on Dolly’s career, dreams, family and styles.
“Seriously though, I’m so proud of the work our people have put into this new experience to make sure it is something our guests will enjoy for many years,” Dolly added.
“It’s been almost three years in the making, and it’s three times larger than anything like this we’ve ever created before, so it really is something!
“For me, the most special part is the area called ‘Precious Memories’, because it’s about my family and everything they have done to support me through the years.”
One room in the new attraction is dedicated to Dolly’s albums, while another space features a 360-degree, projection-mapped story.
Another area displays some of Dolly’s iconic outfits. To preserve these pieces, Dollywood used the same techniques as the Smithsonian.
Interactive exhibits at Dollywood
Of course, the Dolly Parton Experience includes a retail outlet named Dolly’s Fan Shop. This is selling several exclusive items.
“I think we can all agree there is no one else in the world like Dolly Parton,” said Dollywood Parks & Resorts president Eugene Naughton.
“She is able to shine a light of positivity and inspiration that has influenced millions of people around the world.
“Our team has created a remarkable experience that shares Dolly’s inspiring story in an authentic, larger-than-life way. I think the Dolly Parton Experience is going to truly move our guests when they see it.”
In November, the new HeartSong Lodge & Resort debuted at Dollywood. This came after the launch of the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster in May 2023.
Images courtesy of Dollywood Parks & Resorts
