Dollywood announces Dolly Parton tributes: New character, chapel area and exhibit
Dollywood has announced several new ways it will honor Dolly Parton’s legacy, including a Dream Maker character coming to Wildwood Grove, a chapel and waterfall reflection area featuring a sculpted guitar, and enhancements to The Dolly Parton Experience.
Dollywood will continue growing Dolly Parton’s dreams through new and updated experiences celebrating her life, her love for children and her commitment to the people of East Tennessee.
During a press briefing Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton reflected on his time with Parton and shared the first details about how the Pigeon Forge theme park will carry her legacy forward.
The briefing began with a video featuring scenes from Dollywood set to Parton’s “Together You and I.”
“I never quite knew where she was going to take me when I was onstage with her,” Naughton said while recalling some of his favorite moments with Parton. “The curtain on this first act has fallen, so now it is time to talk about the next steps,” he added.
Naughton said Parton would tell the Dollywood team it was time to get back to work. She knew what she wanted Dollywood to be, and the park intends to continue pursuing that vision.
Shared by Dollywood during press briefing
New Dream Maker character coming to Dollywood
Dollywood will introduce a new character called the Dream Maker in Wildwood Grove. Inspired by Parton and her belief in encouraging children’s dreams, the Dream Maker will interact with children and other guests throughout the family-focused area of the park.
Dollywood will introduce the Dream Maker and her Dream Wagon in Wildwood Grove in 2027. Through storytelling and interactive experiences, the new character will encourage guests to dream big, believe in themselves and lift others through courage and kindness.
Naughton emphasized that children were among the most important parts of Parton’s life and legacy. Her commitment to them can also be seen through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has distributed books to children around the world.
Guests will be able to share their own stories
A new kiosk in Wildwood Grove will allow guests to digitally document their own stories and memories. Guests may keep their submissions private or choose to share them publicly.
“We intend to use those in a unique way for the storyline in the park,” Naughton added during a media Q&A.
Watch our video below with the key attractions and enhancements announced for Dollywood.
Dolly Parton Experience will receive updates
Dollywood also plans to update portions of The Dolly Parton Experience, which opened in 2024 and allows guests to explore Parton’s life and career largely through her own words.
First, a new entrance area will act as a more prominent gateway into its collection of stories, personal moments and memorabilia.
Provided by Dollywood
The “Precious Memories” section currently includes videos narrated by Parton. Dollywood plans to work with her family, when the time is right, to incorporate their own stories and memories.
The Songteller exhibit will also receive a new grand finale in its “I Will Always Love You” room. He also acknowledged the response to the pink memorial banners displayed throughout the area.
Photo by Zack Koehler
Reflection area planned near Dollywood chapel
Additional work will center on the Robert F. Thomas Chapel, named for the doctor who delivered Parton on Jan. 19, 1946, and his service to rural communities. Plans include a special area near the waterfall featuring a sculpted guitar.
The chapel and waterfall enhancements are expected to open in early March 2027, according to Naughton.
Shared by Dollywood during press briefing
Dolly Parton helped plan Dollywood’s future through 2036
Naughton said Parton left the Dollywood team with plans extending through 2036 and remained closely involved in shaping the destination’s future.
Dollywood announced a 10-year, $500 million investment strategy in 2021. Naughton said the company’s longer-term plans include its third, fourth and fifth resorts, including an outdoor resort, with each based on stories and concepts Parton reviewed and approved.
“She really looked out to the future,” Naughton said.
Dolly Parton’s footsteps in Sevierville
he Sevierville Chamber of Commerce is developing “In Dolly’s Footsteps,” a new walking-tour program connecting locations Parton and her family frequented during her youth, including Red’s Drive-In and the Pines Theater. Special markers will share the stories behind the places and experiences that helped shape her.
Naughton said installation would begin within days and that the tour would eventually tell eleven stories throughout Sevierville. One completed marker was displayed during the Dollywood announcement.
Naughton summarized the park’s plans for the future: “We’ll keep your dream growing.”
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