Dolly Parton

Dollywood

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

A view from the top…

Few people are as ubiquitous as Dolly Parton. As a country music singer and guitarist, Parton has bridged genres and generations. As a business leader, she is a brand icon all her own, and for the attractions industry, she is the driving force who inspires Dollywood’s team members and guests.

Faith, partnership and passion creates true harmony for Parton

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — There is an old adage that says the two most important days in a person’s life are the day they are born and the day they know why. As we seek our “why,” it is through dreaming big and taking the steps to make those dreams come true that we truly grow. For decades, Dolly Parton has needed no introduction. Her name has become synonymous with musical talent, success, drive, giving back, inspiring others and having fun all along the way. In 1986, Parton added “Dreamer in Chief” as one of her professional hats of many colors. As one of the owners of Dollywood Parks and Resorts, Parton welcomes millions of families each year to Tennessee to visit the famous park bearing her name. With Dollywood, she has created a world-class destination that also celebrates her beloved Smoky Mountain region and gives back to her hometown and community.

For a woman whose list of accolades and awards makes everything seem easy, she points out that one’s inner voice and dialogue set the tone for what they can accomplish. “It’s important to understand who you are, what you know and what you don’t,” she explained. “God comes to us through the people we meet and when you surround yourself with good people, He shines through to help you dream and do more than you even first imagined.”

She points to her business partners, Jack and Pete Herschend, as an example of knowing when something is meant to be. “One of the smartest things I’ve ever done is go into business with them,” she explained. “God has always brought the right people into my life at the right time, and I am so blessed that together we created a beautiful park that continues to grow beyond our earliest plans and dreams. When we first met, we united over our shared values, faith and goals. Since then, we have not looked back.”

Parton also explains a key part of the success she has shared with the Herschends has been the work itself, right alongside them. “Great things are not accomplished alone,” she explained. “Jack and Pete refer to me as ‘Dolly Part-ner,’ and I think that is the best compliment they could give me. Together, along with our amazing team at Dollywood, we do more and keep creating new experiences for our guests.”

Parton also recognizes that her persona means a lot to the park’s guests and that they come to the park wanting to feel her presence and personality. “We created something different at our first hotel, DreamMore Resort,” she shared. “Along with our great Southern hospitality, food and accommodations, you could say we ‘Dolly-ized’ the experience, so our guests feel like they are getting to know me a little bit better.”

Parton worked with the team to design and create the pink, butterfly-decorated penthouse-style Dolly Parton Suite at the hotel, as well as convert her touring motorcoach to the one-of-a-kind Dolly Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience. She personally chose the hand-painted murals, colors, fabric and décor for the unique suite to give guests a glimpse into life on the road. The bus is more than just a memorable overnight getaway experience; the booking fee is donated to the Dollywood Foundation.

“It’s important to know who you are,” Parton further said. “And to have the confidence to let that shine through. Giving back has always been important to me, and it is a core value for our entire team at Dollywood. Serving others is one of Dollywood’s core values, and we weave it into everything we do. At DreamMore, when our guests stay in either the Suite or my personal ‘Gypsy Wagon’ motorcoach, the money from their stay supports the Imagination Library. It is an example of something truly special.”

To date, the Imagination Library has gifted more than 240 million books to children from birth to the age of five. In the United States alone, one in seven children under the age of five receives free books courtesy of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

As a business leader, world-renowned performer and theme park owner, when asked what is next, Parton pauses only for a brief moment. “My first love has always been music,” she said. “So much so, my family jokes I was born crying in the key of G. Music has always been a part of everything I do, and being able to share that love with our park guests and fans is very special to me.” She points to the “Sing-a-long with Dolly” live show that took place last month during the park’s “I Will Always Love You” Music Festival and the upcoming interactive The Dolly Parton Experience, which will open later this month, as new examples that seamlessly blend the best in theme park entertainment with the music that helped make her a household name. Both experiences celebrate Parton’s musical journey while connecting guests with her beloved songs during their park visit.

“Many years ago, I said in an interview that I wanted to build a theme park,” Parton added. “Through incredible people like the Herschends and the amazing team of people who joined us, I have learned so much. Together we have done more than we set out to do — and we are not done.”

“God comes to us,” she finished. “He connects us with others to learn from and can grow with. We just need to be open to hear Him. Through Him, I have been able to dream big, and do even bigger things. For that, I am so thankful and blessed.”

—Susan Storey