A Golden Guitar, a New Character and Dreams: How Dollywood is set to Honor Dolly Parton

 Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks and Resorts President, reminisces about his time working with Dolly Parton, Dreamer-in-Chief photo personal collection

"She (Dolly Parton) knew what she wanted Dollywood to be; she always wanted it to be a place of fun and togetherness," said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks and Resorts President.

"She taught us here at Dollywood how to dream big."

He added that Dolly always loved being on the property, and it was always a treat for the staff as well.

"She would tell us how relaxing it was to visit, and a great chance for her to reconnect with her home."

Dolly Parton passed away on Aug. 25 in Nashville, Tenn., and Naughton said while the past seven days have been filled with a lot of grief, now the time has come to start talking about the journey forward.

"Dolly would be telling us to get back to work."

Unveiling of "In Doll's Footsteps'" markers. photo personal collection

While the park is planning several new experiences and installations to celebrate and honor the Dreamer-in-Chief's life, Dollywood is also working with the city of Sevierville, Tenn. (Dolly's hometown) on "In Dolly's Footsteps."

Debuting in October, markers will be placed at locations such as The Pines Theater and Red's Cafe, places Dolly and her family frequented, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about her early life and the places that shaped her.

The pink banners throughout the park. photo personal collection

Currently at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, a memorial in the park's welcome plaza offers guests a place to remember and celebrate Dolly. Pink banners featuring her photo and the inscription "I will always love you" adorn poles in key locations throughout the park.

Upcoming plans include:

Rendering of the waterfall outside of Robert F. Thomas Chapel's front steps. photo personal collection

🦋 An addition of a cascading mountainside waterfall outside of Robert F. Thomas Chapel's front steps. A spot for guests to pause, reflect and enjoy the surroundings that inspired Dollywood. The focal point will be a sculpted golden guitar.

Additionally, the chapel is set to receive new stained-glass windows commissioned to reflect Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV), the Bible verse that resonated deeply with Dolly: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

🦋 A new portal into the Dolly Parton Experience that welcomes guests into the attractions collection of memories, stories and memorabilia.

🦋 As many know, one of Dolly's most cherished accomplishments was founding Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and becoming known as "The Book Lady." The program has gifted more than 330 million books to children around the world and is the largest children's literacy program of its kind.

Rendering of the Dream Maker and the Dream Wagon, a character that'll call the Wildwood Grove area her home. photo personal collection

🦋 In celebration of that legacy, Dollywood is creating a new character, the Dream Maker, whose home will be in the Wildwood Grove area. Through stories and interactive experiences, the Dream Maker, along with her Dream Wagon, will encourage guests to dream big, believe in themselves and lift others through courage and kindness.

Also in Wildwood Grove, special kiosks will allow guests to share their thoughts and notes about how Dolly inspired them to dream big.

The new features are targeted to debut with Dollywood's spring opening in March 2027.

Pumpkin Season is about to arrive at Dollywood with the Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights kicking off Sept. 14. photo personal collection

Dollywood remains open to the public, with the park's Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights kicking off Sept. 14 and running through Oct. 31. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas follows Nov. 6 through Jan. 3, 2027, closing out the park's 2026 season.