03-05-2025
Dollywood still growing, giving back as it enters 40th season
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — Friday marked 40 seasons since Dollywood's original opening day. As the park celebrated the anniversary, they highlighted how they have grown and contributed to the rest of Sevier County.
'We wouldn't be what we are without the community, and we know that a lot of the community actually works at our properties, and the community supports us in so many ways that it is important for us to be able to give back to the people who do so much for us,' said PR Director Dollywood Parks and Resorts Wes Ramey.
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In a panel alongside the creators of Dollywood, Dolly Parton said their accomplishments, specifically with the Dollywood Foundation, have reached beyond the park's borders.
'The fact that we can actually give back so much and do so many great things through the foundation, and I think of the Imagination Library or myself, it is one of the greatest things, not just here in Dollywood, but I've ever been involved in my whole career,' said Parton.
While Friday marked the anniversary of their original opening day, other parks are also passing milestones. Splash Country is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and they too reflected on how they have given back.
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'We're probably about a third of the size that we are now. We have added slides, we've added seating areas, we've added food restaurant locations,' said Splash Country Director of Operations, Jordan Leach.
Last year, they held the second largest Water Safety Day in the nation, which aims at teaching communities water safety.
'It really supports our mission to make sure that families and kids are learning together, that they feel comfortable in the water and that they know how to stay safe,' said Leach. 'Whether they're visiting us here at Dollywood, Splash Country, or out of the pool at their house throughout the lake, that's really what it's all about, just making sure that people know how to be safe and have a good time.'
Dolly Parton gives guests a sneak peek of Dollywood's 40th anniversary season
While they hope to continue to grow alongside the rest of Dollywood, there may be some new attractions in store next year.
In the 40th year celebration, the president of the Dollywood Company a teased there may be a new attraction coming to the park in 2026. While they didn't tell too many details they did say they are building a five-story 44,000 square-foot indoor attraction in 2026.
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