Dollywood Unveils Plans for 2027 in-Park Tributes and Resort Expansion

Dollywood unveiled a series of upcoming exhibits, experiences and park expansions on Wednesday that it said will pay tribute to its late founder Dolly Parton, as well as carry forward plans the late singer already had in the works for her beloved Tennessee theme park.

The theme park announced the news during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that kicked off with a video tribute to Parton and ended with Heidi Parton Kin and Friends’ rendition of “9 to 5.” Shortly after, Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton took to the stage, where he revealed a new partnership with the city of Sevierville, Tennessee, and a number of key park expansions, which the dreamer-in-chief had approved. Related Stories Music Dolly Parton's Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Vandalized Music Dolly Parton Estate Announces 2027 Dollyfest Shows in Nashville, London

“The curtain on this first act has fallen, and now time has come to start to talk about the journey forward, the next steps that we need to do,” Naughton said. “Because Dolly would be telling us to get back to work. She knew what she wanted Dollywood to be. She always wanted this to be a place of fun and togetherness, and most of all, as our love letter showed, she taught us here at Dollywood how to dream big.”

Naughton revealed the city of Sevierville will install, over the next couple of days, “In Dolly’s Footsteps,” a walkable tribute that lets fans trace her footsteps through the city, visiting and learning the stories of around 11 various locations, such as the Pines Theater, that held personal meaning to the life of the Grammy winner. Naughton also confirmed that the “I Will Always Love You” tribute banners inside the park raised around The Dolly Parton Experience, which last week was the site of a moment of silence held by fans as they remembered the singer, actress, and philanthropist, will remain.

The multimedia walkthrough that opened in 2024, with distinct zones moving through Parton’s life from Sevier County to global stardom in her own words, will also receive a new portal into its park zone that will extend the experience onto the show street. Inside, aspects of the experience, such as “Precious Memories” and the “I Will Always Love You” room, will also expand to celebrate the life of the late singer.

Within “Precious Memories,” a new video — narrated by Parton’s family sharing their best moments with the singer — will eventually be added to the current lineup of six videos, which sees Parton narrate stories of her family. For the Songteller experience, the park plans to add a new grand finale to the “I Will Always Love You” room.

Beyond the experience, the park announced the arrival of a new character in the Wildwood Grove area, as part of its plans to carry the singer’s spirit and care for children, which Naughton called “the most important thing to Dolly.”