Orlando (IAAPA News) - Dolly Parton will be remembered as an attraction unto herself.
“They talk about wearing different hats—I wear different wigs!” Parton proclaimed with her trademark laugh during an exclusive interview with IAAPA News in 2019.
Parton passed away at the age of 80 on Aug. 25. The world knew her as a legendary singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and attraction designer, poetically named Dollywood’s “Dreamer-in-Chief.”
“I am very involved in all of it,” Parton said. “I don’t just want my name on something, I have to know it’s right—something I can be proud of. Dollywood is one of the greatest things ever for me—having this place in my hometown.”
Born and raised just east of Pigeon Forge in neighboring Locust Ridge, Tennessee (a recreation of Parton’s quant childhood home remains popular with Dollywood guests), Parton’s humble beginnings grounded her, leading to a desire to give back to her community.
“I used to think when I was younger, and I saw I was going to make it, I thought: ‘I want to go home and build a park or theme park that will provide jobs for the local people, my family, my neighbors, and my friends, to help the local community,” Parton shared with Funworld.
She did just that in 1986, when Parton partnered with Missouri theme park owners, and IAAPA Hall of Fame members, Peter and Jack Herschend. The brothers changed the name of their Pigeon Forge park, formerly known as Silver Dollar City (not to be confused with their theme park of the same name in Branson, Missouri) to Dollywood.
“We’ve been wonderful partners. They trust me, I trust them. There’s never been any of those egos like, ‘You’re getting too many ideas!’ or, ‘You’re not giving enough!’ or, ‘This ain’t all about you!’” Parton told Funworld in a one-on-one interview. “It’s all about us. We all sit and talk, and agree to agree, before we start any kind of new project.”
Over the decades, what began as a shared vision between Parton and Herschend grew into one of America's most beloved theme parks and a world-class resort destination, with a standalone water park and two resort hotels, that now welcomes millions of guests each year.
“Her vision, passion, and deep commitment to her Smoky Mountain roots helped Dollywood grow to more than twice its original size while remaining true to the culture and hospitality of the region,” says Jakob Wahl, IAAPA president and CEO. “Through Dollywood, Dolly demonstrated the powerful role attractions can play in creating joy, strengthening communities, and bringing generations of families together.”
Many of the new attractions introduced at Dollywood were influenced directly by Parton.
“Dolly Parton is the most wonderful creative collaborator,” said Merrill Puckett Miller,
chief creative officer at Herschend. “As a boss, she listens, provides thoughtful feedback, but best of all, she trusts.”
The trust was generated through sharing ideas and listening—whether it be at meetings held at Dollywood, on the road at recording studios, or on the set of a television production.
“We have our ‘Dream Team,’ as we call it,” Parton told IAAPA News. “We throw ideas out, and some of them we decide are not worth the risk, or the money involved. But, if the majority agree that this is the thing to do, then that is the attraction we go with next.”
As for when ideas over the years didn’t impress? Parton told IAAPA News it’s best to stay open and honest.
“We often talk about that. If there is a whole bunch of people at the table, some will say ‘Maybe that’s not the best idea.’ Or, ‘Maybe we’re a few years shy of that.’ Or, ‘Maybe we need to do more in this area,” Parton shared of the closed-door meetings at Herschend.
“She is candid. It comes from a place of always wanting the best,” shared Amy Owenby, vice president of brand and the guest experience at Herschend. “It’s part of her mantra of ‘Be more, do more, dream more.’”
Sometimes, Parton who came up with an idea for Dollywood’s 150 acres. Other times, her team presented capital ideas.
“We kinda work it both ways,” Parton said of the creative process.
“The atmosphere is always collaborative and never stuffy,” confirmed Puckett Miller. For instance, when Parton wrote and recorded a new re-lyricized version of her song “Love is Like a Butterfly” to become the anthem of Wildwood Grove, her dream team accompanied her to the studio.
“We met at a homey, unassuming Knoxville studio rather than a slick, production house,” Puckett Miller shared. “For me, the ability to produce such authentic experiences is something as creators we all value—and ultimately, so do our guests.”
Most recently, Parton formed strategic partnership with the team behind Tennessean Travel Stop, to rebrand and revitalize its flagship Cornersville, Tennessee gas station. At the June opening ceremony, Parton took a playful dig at travel stop operator Buc-ees. As Rolling Stone so eloquently wrote, “Her final appearance with fans [was] not at a black-tie gala, but at a rest stop off I-65 in Tennessee.”
In recognition of her remarkable contributions and lasting influence on the global attractions industry, Parton was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame in 2025.
“Her impact on our industry and on the countless people who experienced her generosity and unmistakable spirit will be felt for generations,” Wahl concludes.
