Dolly Parton gives sneak peek at new Dollywood season

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WJHL) – Dollywood is set to open for its 2024 season Saturday, but before the park opens to the public, Dolly Parton told everyone what to expect.

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On Friday morning, Dolly informed season pass holders and members of the media what new entertainment guests can expect. Dolly took the stage at the Celebrity Theatre after a musical number and welcomed everyone to Dollywood.

“What we built Dollywood on is just make good memories and live in every moment, as we say,” Dolly said. “And just remember that this is a wonderful place for families, a discount to build on that, to say you can bring everybody [and] have a good, wholesome fun here. We have enough staff to entertain even your teenagers with roller coasters and all the great things and all the great shows.”

While on stage, Dolly discussed some of her recent accomplishments like her Rockstar album, her halftime performance for the Dallas Cowboys and her pet gala last month.

News Channel 11 livestreamed the event on WJHL.com. The entire event can be viewed in the video player below.

To open the season, Dollywood is hosting the “I Will Always Love You” Music Festival for families, complete with three new shows. Those shows include “Three Times a Lady,” “Sing-A-Long With Dolly” and “From the Heart.”

“We look to her for our inspiration in everything we do, and so we’ve made an effort with this festival, with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival,” said Dollywood Public Relations Director Wes Ramey. “We have three shows that are brand new for this festival that all are for Dolly.”

In May, the Dolly Parton Experience is also expected to open.

Dolly took part in a parade through the park to mark the beginning of the season. While making her way through Dollywood, she took a moment to say hello to News Channel 11 viewers.

2024 will mark Dollywood’s 39th season. Some notable changes that have already been announced include the removal of the turnstiles at the park entrance in lieu of a QR code scanning system.

Park officials also told News Channel 11 in February that changes are coming to the Lightning Rod roller coaster, and new shows will entertain guests.

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