Dollywood’s longest season honors Dolly Parton’s life and career with new museum, shows

Dolly Parton helped kick off Dollywood's longest season ever with a bang of pink streamers and three outfit changes. And what makes this season extra special is that it’ll celebrate its Dreamer-in-Chief like never before.

"I just can't believe that this is our 39th season and we've got so many great things this year and some big things certainly for next year, our 40th anniversary. We continue to grow every year," Parton said during the park's season passholder and media day March 8.

"I looked out at the parking lot when I came in and I thought, oh my lord, look at all those cars, all those people. But I'm so proud for every bit of it," Parton added. "It's going to be a busy year for Dollywood, no doubt about that."

One of the most-anticipated moments for this year is the opening of the the park's newest attraction, The Dolly Parton Experience, slated for May 24. The interactive museum will allow visitors to journey with Dolly from Locust Ridge to stages around the world. The exhibit spans multiple buildings and spotlights Parton’s iconic career, her signature outfits and wigs, and honors her family.

“It stirs a lot of emotion in me,” Parton told Knox News about reflecting on life and career while developing The Dolly Parton Experience.

“I (don’t really) think of it in the way that other people look at it, you know, I've lived it and I've done it,” she told Knox News. "I remember things that happened during that time. I remember stuff backstage when I was wearing that dress or remember working with the person that made that outfit, or the behind the scenes of a movie.”

Parton's life story also will be told in a new Broadway-style show. "From the Heart - The Life and Music of Dolly Parton" will run through the Flower and Food Festival this spring, but passholders got a special preview featuring performances of "9 to 5" and "Islands in the Stream."

And a new family show written by Parton will debut when The Dolly Parton Experience opens. It will star Parton's niece, Heidi Parton.

"I have so many precious memories and so many things that I've done through the years and been lucky enough to work with so many great people," Dolly Parton said. "One of the greatest things I've ever done was going in business with the Herschend family and starting up Dollywood!"

Dollywood continues coasting toward its goal of becoming the No. 1 family destination in the country and potentially remaining open the entire calendar year. The 2024-25 season will be the park's longest ever, as it stays open for 280 days. That's 23 more days than the previous season, and 44 more days than in 2022.

Dollywood was named best park in the world at the Golden Ticket Awards last year and park leaders are hoping for an even bigger 2024.

“(Dollywood is) becoming more of a national destination, for sure. If not international,” Tim Baldwin of Amusement Today told Knox News, adding that the park has made “spectacular decisions” over the years to increase the audience.

“What Dollywood has going for it is that it has more than just roller coasters and water rides. It has the whole mystique and persona of Dolly Parton herself to bring in a diverse group of fans,” Baldwin explained. “Sure, you have the kids ready to hop on the thrill rides, then you have has an older clientele ready to enjoy the shows.”

More details about The Dolly Parton Experience

The Dolly Parton Experience is in the former Adventures in Imagination area, which hadn’t been renovated since 2002. The entire interactive museum project is three times larger than the former Chasing Rainbows Museum.

The Dollywood Experience will feature these three exhibits:

• Songteller: Guests will walk through exhibits spanning Parton’s life and career that share the inspirations behind her biggest hits and accomplishments.

• Behind The Seams: A curated selection of Parton’s signature style over the decades will be displayed in this exhibit, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of the iconic looks.

• Precious Memories: At the DreamSong theater, audience members can learn about the importance of faith and family to Parton.

What else is new at Dollywood for 2024

• The Lightning Rod roller coaster has been upgraded to a high-speed chain system to allow more people to enjoy the ride.

• The park invested $1 million to upgrade its entertainment spaces and productions. Four new shows will debut this year, including the one written by Parton.

• Guests will now enter through a QR code system to speed up park entrance time. Traditional ticket options remain available, too.

Upcoming Dollywood festivals and events

Award-winning festivals and events are ongoing at Dollywood throughout the entire year. With each event, the park is transformed with unique décor and fun activities. The 2024 season kicks off with the 2nd I Will Always Love You music festival, which celebrates the art of songwriting.

• I Will Always Love You Music Festival – March 9-April 14

• Flower and Food Festival – April 19-June 9

• Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration – June 15-Aug. 11

How much are Dollywood tickets?

• Dollywood tickets are $92 for adults. Child and senior tickets are $82.

• Season passes that offer access to festivals and events throughout the year, discounts and other benefits are $164-$239. Payment plans are available.

• Dollywood tickets and season passes can be purchased at Dollywood.com.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 2024 Dollywood season: 39th season honors Dolly Parton’s life and career