DOLLYWOOD CELEBRATES MILESTONE 40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON IN 2025

One of Dolly Parton’s greatest dreams—the little theme park named Dollywood that opened in her home county in 1986—has now become one of the world’s leading family destinations and is set to celebrate its 40th season in 2025. Dollywood Parks & Resorts looks a lot different than it did when it opened on May 3, 1986, but the mission at its heart remains the same—to create a welcoming environment where families can enjoy making memories together.

Dollywood has special events, new celebrations and several returning favorites planned to commemorate the milestone anniversary. The fun begins at Tripadvisor’s #1 US theme park with Season Passholder Preview Day set for Friday, March 14.

“I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” Dolly explained. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years. When we opened Dollywood, the main thing I wanted to do was to give families a fun place where they could enjoy time spent together. I’m so proud of all the people who have worked to make Dollywood what it is today, and I want to thank all the guests who have supported us and trusted us to help them create those days they’ll never forget.

“And just think, I spent opening day watching the parking lot because I was worried that people might not show up,” she added with a laugh. “But look at how far we’ve come since then—and we’re just getting started!”

A new 40th anniversary show, which debuts Memorial Day weekend and runs through the end of summer, highlights moments from guest-favorite shows during the park’s illustrious history of entertainment offerings. Additionally, a new drone and fireworks show honoring the 40th anniversary season takes place as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City, and a new opening ceremony will occur at the beginning of each operating day during the 2025 season.

The Imagination Playhouse, which features plays based on books from Dolly’s Imagination Library, becomes a permanent fixture this season, offering its much-loved shows for younger guests from March through the end of September. The theater will offer a rotation of playhouse favorites guests have enjoyed through the years. During Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, new story time and character meet & greets are part of the Imagination Playhouse experience.

Also in celebration of the 40th anniversary, “Heartsong: The Movie” will be remastered and moved—appropriately—to Dreamsong Theater as part of The Dolly Parton Experience. “Heartsong: The Movie” will run in conjunction with “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends.”

The Country Fair area of the park also receives a bright refresh during the 2025 season to celebrate the classic fun and family togetherness of this special area of the park. In addition, Country Fair transforms during the Harvest Festival to become Candy Corn Country, with decorations and theming to highlight the “corny” fun of this fall treat. The special festival fun doesn’t end there, however. A favorite of years past, Peppermint Valley returns during Smoky Mountain Christmas to provide a bright red and white lighting scheme in Country Fair.

“I’m excited to welcome guests to celebrate our 40th anniversary season with us in 2025,” said Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton. “We are thrilled to have earned the Tripadvisor #1 US theme park designation last year along with being the highest ranked US park in Golden Ticket Award voting for Best Park last year. We’ve worked hard for 40 seasons to make the Dollywood experience the best theme park experience in the country, and our guests are telling us we’ve done just that through these awards. And remember what Dolly said, ‘We’re just getting started!’”