How Dollywood Will Honor Dolly Parton's Legacy Moving Forward

Dolly Parton , Dollywood's "Dreamer-in-Chief," will be honored with "plans to create several new experiences and installations," moving forward.

Parton opened Dollywood in 1986 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The East Tennessee-born legend died on August 25 after "bravely facing a brief battle with cancer," which she kept private. She was 80.

The beloved country legend will be honored for her "remarkable contributions, enduring values and love for the people and places of the Great Smoky Mountains," according to a press release from Dollywood on Tuesday (September 2). "Over the coming months, these additions will provide guests with meaningful opportunities to reflect on Dolly's life, her faith and her influence while experiencing the joy, imagination and togetherness that have always been at the heart of her vision for Dollywood. Dolly dreamed of a place where guests could leave the worries of the world outside its gates and focus on making lifelong memories-together," the release states.

"Many of us had extensive conversations with Dolly through the years about how she would want us to carry her vision forward," Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President, said in the press release. "Dollywood will always be a place where families find fun, kindness and joy-a place where they can make memories that last a lifetime, just like she would have wanted. We will carry her dreams forward by continuing to grow, welcoming even more guests, and sharing the warmth and hospitality of which she was so proud."

The release states that there will be updates to the Robert F. Thomas Chapel to pay tribute to Parton's "faith and connection to the Smoky Mountains." There will also be a new waterfall on the outside of the front stops of the chapel to create "a peaceful setting for guests to pause, reflect and enjoy the natural beauty that inspired so much of Dolly's life and work," plus a stained-glass window commissioned to reflect a Bible verse that resonated with Parton [Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)], according to the release. Dollywood will introduce a new character, the Dream Maker, in the Wildwood Grove area in 2027, in honor of Parton's Imagination Library and inspiration to "the next generation of dreamers. …A new portal into The Dolly Parton Experience will welcome guests into the attraction's immersive collection of moments, stories and memorabilia. The new entrance will provide a fitting gateway to the area dedicated to celebrating the life and work of Dollywood's Dreamer-in-Chief."

A current memorial is at Dollywood's welcome plaza, offering a place for guests to honor Parton and her accomplishments. The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce will also debut a new program soon to honor Parton via walking tour. The release states that "these additions reflect the spirit of Dolly's vision for Dollywood-a place where kindness is celebrated and guests can make lifelong memories."

Parton was laid to rest over the weekend behind husband Carl Dean. Dean died in March 2025. He was 82. An official announcement issued on August 25 stated that "Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 - 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 - 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 - 2000). …At Dolly's request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly's fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library."