02-05-2025
Dolly Parton celebrates Dollywood's 40th anniversary weekend
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — On Friday, Dollywood is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the park's first opening day.
Over the May 2-4 weekend, Dollywood's 40th Anniversary Weekend is taking place. The park first opened its gate on May 3, 1986.
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As part of the celebration, Dolly and park officials will be reflecting on the history of Dollywood's memorable moments. That event will be live streamed in this story at 11 a.m. Friday.
Earlier this year, Dollywood opened for it's 40th season, with the park sharing that several upgrades were happening this season, including a new restaurant, a refresh to Dollywood's County Fair area and the permanent return of the Imagination Playhouse.
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During the season preview day, Parton also revealed that there will be a new attraction coming to Dollywood that will allow guests to 'take flight' in 2026. The new Great-Smoky-Mountains-night-themed ride is expected to be the biggest, most ambitious and possibly the most expensive project that the park has undertaken.
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