Dolly Parton kicks off the Dollywood 2023-2024 season

Dolly shared details for the park’s current season, including two big projects that will be completed by the end of 2023: the highly-anticipated Big Bear Mountain roller coaster, which will open in May 2023 (a specific opening date will be announced soon), and Dollywood’s new resort, HeartSong Lodge & Resort, which will begin taking reservations in June for it’s grand opening in November 2023.

State-of-the-Art Experience Opening in 2024

The legendary singer/songwriter also surprised guests with an announcement of a state-of-the-art “The Dolly Parton Experience” coming to the park in 2024 to showcase her life and career. This new attraction will take the place of the former “Chasing Rainbows” museum.

“I think everyone knows that I try to dream big dreams no matter what I’m doing,” Parton explained, “With everything happening at my Dollywood this year, this may be some of my biggest dreaming yet! We’re going to open a BIG ride and a BIG resort, even the calendar got bigger this year!”

Dollywood 2023-2024 Season Festivals

Guests and media were also treated to a live musical performance of Dolly’s hit song “I Will Always Love You” sung by none other than Parton herself.

“They’re starting the year with the I Will Always Love You Celebration, which is something that is very humbling to me,” she continued. “The song has been a very special part of my life and career, but I never thought about them celebrating it at Dollywood. I told them they didn’t need to do it, but when they explained it would be a celebration of songwriting and the talents of songwriters, I knew it would be something truly special.”

Dollywood festivals visitors can expect to see throughout the year include:

• I Will Always Love You Celebration: March 11 – April 8, 2023
• Flower & Food Festival: April 21 – June 11, 2023
• Sweet Summer Nights: June 17 – Aug. 6, 2023
• Harvest Festival: Sept. 20 – Oct. 30, 2023
• Smoky Mountain Christmas: Nov. 4, 2023 – January 6, 2024

Click here for more details on the 2023-2024 Dollywood season and specific dates for new lodging and attraction openings.