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Dolly Parton's vision for a theme park in her childhood region of the Great Smoky Mountains became a reality when Dollywood opened its doors in 1986. The park, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, celebrated its 40th season, marking a legacy that intertwines with Parton's life and career. Her dream was to build a "Smoky Mountain fairyland," similar to Disneyland, but with a focus on celebrating the culture and people of the Smoky Mountains.
Dollywood has evolved significantly since its inception under different names and ownership in the early 1960s. The Herschend family, also owners of Silver Dollar City, sold a stake to Parton, leading to the park's rebranding. This partnership provided Parton the opportunity to bring visitors to the Smoky Mountains and support her local community.
Several attractions from Dollywood's opening day still operate, including the Dollywood Express steam train and Dolly's Tennessee Mountain Home. The park expanded notably during the 1990s and 2000s with new areas like Showstreet and the Country Fair, as well as popular roller coasters such as Thunderhead and Wild Eagle. Dollywood's Splash Country water park also opened in 2001, now celebrating its 25th anniversary.
