This year marks a huge milestone for Dollywood as the beloved theme park celebrates its 40th anniversary! Since opening its gates in 1986 under the vision of country music legend Dolly Parton, Dollywood has grown from a charming Smoky Mountain park into a world-class destination for family fun, thrilling rides, and heartwarming entertainment.
A Look Back at Dollywood’s History
Dollywood wasn’t always the park we know and love today. Its origins trace back to 1961 when Rebel Railroad first opened in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offering train rides through the Smoky Mountains. Over the years, it transformed into Goldrush Junction and then Silver Dollar City before Dolly Parton stepped in and helped reimagine the park as Dollywood in 1986. From the beginning, Dolly’s vision was to create a place that celebrated her Appalachian roots while offering a unique and welcoming experience for families.
Over the last 40 years, Dollywood has become one of the country’s most awarded theme parks. It’s known not only for its thrilling rides, like the award-winning Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle, but also for its rich cultural showcases, bluegrass music, and heartwarming Southern hospitality.
A Bittersweet Start to the 40th Season
Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season officially kicked off on March 14, 2025, with a heartfelt event led by Dolly Parton herself. It was her first public appearance following the passing of her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, on March 3. During the emotional event, Dolly expressed her deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and support she received from around the world.
“Thank you to our guests and the community for the support they’ve given to my Dollywood for 40 years,” Dolly shared. “It’s hard to believe it has been that long, but it never would have lasted if it hadn’t been for you—our guests. On opening day in 1986, I was just hoping that people would really want to come visit a theme park with my name on it. And even though I always try to dream big, I’ll admit I was a little bit nervous that first morning. But people did come out to support us that first day, and I’m so proud to see that Dollywood has continued to grow through the years to become a place of fun and togetherness for everyone who has come to visit.”
Dolly was joined by Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton, who teased a groundbreaking new project coming to the park in 2026. While details remain under wraps, Naughton hinted that it will be a revolutionary experience unlike anything else in the world.
“Dollywood Parks & Resorts is growing at a rate that many people wouldn’t believe,” Naughton said. “We had record attendance last year, and we’re setting ourselves up with continued growth thanks to our 40th anniversary season this year and what’s up ahead due to our 2026 attraction.”
Major Milestones and New Additions
Dollywood is celebrating more than just its 40th anniversary this year. The park is riding the momentum of a record-breaking 2024 season, which included the opening of The Dolly Parton Experience — named one of the Top Five Best New Theme Park Attractions of 2024 by USA Today — and the first full year of operation for Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
This year also marks several other milestones:
- Dollywood’s Splash Country is celebrating its 25th season.
- Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa is enjoying its 10th year of operation.
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates its 30th anniversary and has now gifted over 270 million books to children under five worldwide.
Dollywood has also introduced several improvements for the 2025 season. Country Fair now features a new splash pad and expanded seating, providing the perfect place for families with younger children to take a break. The Village received a refresh, including the reimagined Imagination Playhouse, which will offer plays based on books from Dolly’s Imagination Library from April 19 through September.
“Heartsong: The Movie” has also been remastered and relocated to Dreamsong Theater as part of The Dolly Parton Experience. It will run alongside “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends.”
Seasonal Festivals and Special Events
Dollywood’s anniversary season is packed with exciting festivals and events.
- I Will Always Love You Music Festival (now – April 13) – This festival celebrates Dolly’s legacy with musical performances, culinary delights, and shows like “From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton” and “Sing-a-long with Dolly.”
- Flower & Food Festival (April 18 – June 8) – Featuring more than half-a-million blooms and culinary creations inspired by spring flavors in the Smokies.
- Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 14 – August 3) – Includes the popular Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show, “Gazillion Bubble Show: Evolution,” and “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience.”
- Harvest Festival (September 12 – October 27) – Showcasing thousands of carved pumpkins and the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
- Smoky Mountain Christmas (November 1 – January 4, 2026) – The six million twinkling lights, heartwarming holiday shows, and festive atmosphere make this event a guest favorite.
More to Come
Two of the largest projects in 2025 include the opening of the Wilderness Pass Restaurant and a new 750-space parking lot. Both are part of Dollywood’s half-billion-dollar, 10-year expansion plan announced in 2021.
Naughton emphasized that guest feedback has been instrumental in driving these improvements. “We’re always trying to put wings on Dolly’s dreams,” he said. “Taking care of our guests in the best way possible has always been her biggest dream.”
Season Pass Options for 2025
With so much happening during the 40th anniversary season, Dollywood offers several season pass options to help guests make the most of the year:
- Gold Pass – Includes two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, free general parking, and exclusive discounts.
- Silver Pass – Includes two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets and lodging discounts, with select blackout dates.
- Volunteer Summer Pass – A special pass for East Tennessee residents, valid from April 21 to September 11.
Dollywood’s award-winning resort hotels, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, also offer exclusive perks like early park access, preferred parking, and complimentary TimeSaver passes.
A Legacy Built on Family and Tradition
Dolly Parton once said, “My dream was to make Dollywood a place where families could come together, make memories, and feel the love of the Smoky Mountains.” Forty years later, that dream is stronger than ever.
Whether you’ve been visiting Dollywood for years or you’re planning your first trip, this anniversary year is the perfect time to experience the magic of Dolly’s Smoky Mountain home. Here’s to 40 years of laughter, thrills, and memories — and to many more to come!