Where has Britney been…actually, never mind.
I’m not going to get into everything that Britney Spears has been through since becoming the biggest pop star in the world back in the late ’90s. It’s actually a pretty sad story, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame and the people you surround yourself with. But that’s not why we’re here.
Apparently the Louisiana native recently took a family trip to Tennessee, where she discovered an “adorable” little hidden attraction nestled in the hills of Pigeon Forge: Dollywood.
The pop star shared photos from her family vacation, while praising Dolly Parton’s theme park:
“Wow wow!!! I didn’t know this place existed, so incredibly cool and exciting… but extremely hot and my skirt is too big for me… family outings!!! DOLLYWOOD IS ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!!”
Of course Britney’s had a lot going on in her life, so I’ll forgive her for missing out on Dollywood. But the Pigeon Forge theme park is one of Dolly’s most visible contributions to her hometown. Dolly bought the amusement park, that was previously known as Silver Dollar City, in 1986 as a way of helping her community, previously reflecting on her decision to open a theme park:
“I always thought that if I made it big or got successful at what I had started out to do, that I wanted to come back to my part of the country and do something great, something that would bring a lot of jobs into this area. Sure enough, I was lucky, and God was good to me and things happened good.”
The park has created more than 23,000 jobs in the region, and has an estimated economic impact of $1.8 billion. In addition, Dollywood employees receive 100% free college tuition as soon as they’re hired, and the park also pays a portion of childcare costs for all employees.
In the wake of her passing on August 25, Dollywood issued a lengthy statement honoring their “Dreamer-in-Chief.”
“With heavy hearts, the Dollywood family mourns the passing of our beloved Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton. Everyone at Dollywood shares the sorrow of countless people around the world touched by Dolly’s warmth, wisdom and generous spirit.
Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness—a space where families and friends could honor her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams.
‘The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,’ said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. ‘Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates.’
Dolly’s enduring legacy extends beyond her music and generosity to her remarkable work ethic—an inspiration to people everywhere. In her spirit, Dollywood will be open Wednesday as Dolly wanted, always reminding everyone with her signature sparkle — “the show must go on.” Together, we honor her by carrying forward her message of love, perseverance, and hope.
Those wishing to give in honor of Dolly may consider making a gift to the organization she was so deeply passionate about, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.”
And Dollywood’s president, Eugene Naughton, announced several additions to honor their legendary founder, including a waterfall that will be added near Robert F. Thomas Chapel, becoming the centerpiece of the tributes added to the park.
According to Yes Weekly, the chapel will also receive new stained-glass windows commissioned to reflect Ecclesiastes 3:1, one of her favorite Bible verses.
Naughton explained that the waterfall next to the chapel was the perfect choice, given Dolly’s long history of wearing her faith on her sleeve throughout her career.
“Water represents life, and I never want people to forget her life. And the chapel’s a perfect place because she wore her heart on her sleeve. So, it made perfect sense to me to make that a permanent tribute area.
Additionally, Dollywood will add another character to the park, the Dream Maker, which will encourage guests to live like Dolly did — dreaming big and lifting others up in the process. Of course, this is an extension/reference to her Imagination Library, which has donated well over 300 million books to children under five years old since its inception in 1995.
Finally, a new entrance will be built for the Dolly Parton Experience museum, and special kiosks will also be located throughout Wildwood Grove, the largest extension of the park, which will allow guests a place to share notes on the impact Dolly made on them throughout their lives.
The additions are set to be finished when Dollywood reopens for the 2027 season in early March.
Hopefully Britney’s able to make another trip to see the new additions soon.
