Dolly Parton Shares Heartfelt Message and New Dollywood Plans After Personal Loss
Dolly Parton’s presence is felt everywhere at Dollywood, but her surprise appearance this week was especially poignant.
Just weeks after the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, Dolly made a public return to mark the theme park’s seasonal reopening to passholders today.
With the park’s seasonal reopening came not only a tribute to the singer’s ongoing influence but also exciting news about what’s to come at Dollywood. During the event, Dolly revealed a sneak peek of a new attraction set to debut in 2026. While details remain under wraps, it’s clear that Dollywood’s upcoming projects are set to raise the bar. Dolly Parton’s influence on her theme park has never been more pronounced.
A Glimpse Into Dollywood’s Future
At the reopening event, Dolly and Dollywood President Eugene Naughton took the stage to unveil new projects coming to the park.
The teaser video, which showed off the Great Smoky Mountains at night, hinted at an ambitious project set for 2026. Naughton confirmed that this will be Dollywood’s most ambitious attraction to date, and Dolly herself added, “and expensive!” The trailer concluded with the tagline “take flight 2026,” alluding to an aerial experience.
This year, guests can expect several exciting updates at Dollywood. A new restaurant in Wilderness Pass, a fresh attraction in the Imagination Playhouse, and a “facelift” for the Country Fair section are all part of upcoming plans for the park.
Dolly humorously commented on the renovation efforts, saying, “If you see something sagging or dragging, you need it plucked or tucked!”
Dolly Parton Honors Her Late Husband
In a deeply emotional moment, Dolly also took the opportunity to address the recent passing of her husband, Carl Dean.
“I just want to say thank you and I love you for all the flowers, cards and well-wishes,” Dolly told the crowd. “I just wanted you to know that of course, I will always love him. I will miss him, and of course, I will always love you.” Carl Dean, who passed away at 82, had been married to Dolly for nearly 60 years but was famously private about their relationship.
The couple met on the first day Dolly arrived in Nashville, and as she recalls, their connection was immediate. “I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me),” Dolly said of their first meeting.
Their love story remained a constant, and Dolly’s bond with Carl was reflected in many of her songs. Perhaps most famously, Dean inspired the hit song “Jolene,” which Dolly wrote after noticing a bank teller’s crush on her husband. “He just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention,” Dolly explained. “It was kinda like a running joke between us.”
Dollywood Continues to Evolve
From the ambitious plans for 2026 to the personal touch that Dolly’s legacy brings, Dollywood’s future is brighter than ever. It’s a place where visitors can experience the heart of Dolly Parton while discovering the natural beauty and creativity that make this park truly unique.
As the season kicks off, Dollywood remains a testament to Dolly’s commitment to her home state and her fans. There’s never been a better time to visit and experience the magic she’s built — and to look forward to what’s next in the world of Dollywood.
Will you be planning a visit to Dollywood this year?
