FOX Business Correspondent Ashley Webster talks to the singer about Dollywood on ‘The Big Money Show.’
Dolly Parton returned to Dollywood on Friday to kick off the park’s 41st season, reassuring fans of her health while celebrating a milestone year for the park and the nation.
Parton said she recently stepped back from touring to focus on her health and personal life, but insisted she remains excited about the future.
“I’ve never toured, as you know,” Parton said. “I’ve had a few health issues, and we’re taking good care of them … I just got tired and worn out, I was sad for Carl and a lot of little things that happened. I just kind of found myself where I needed to build myself up spiritually, emotionally and physically. But it’s all good. It didn’t slow me down.”
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Dolly Parton opened the 41st season of her Dollywood theme park. (Bridget Bennett/AFP via Getty Images)
Parton also addressed rumors about her private life, saying she has no plans to remarry following the death of her husband, Carl Dean.
“I know there are a lot of rumors going around, but I’m not married to Sylvester Stallone,” she joked. “And I’m not dating anyone. I’m single. I don’t think I’ll ever get married but once. I think Carl Dean is waiting for me on the other side.”
The beloved country music icon made an appearance in the park as Dollywood launched its new season with celebrations to coincide with America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, including patriotic decorations, new entertainment and displays of traditional Appalachian art.
Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. (Dollywood Co.)
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Park officials say the heritage of the Smoky Mountains remains at the heart of the experience.
“Here we are in God’s own country,” Eugene Naughton, president of The Dollywood Company, told FOX Business. “The love of the Smoky Mountains is one of the things that keeps people wanting to come here, and we’re lucky that No. 1 is visited in a national park 6 miles away.”
Dollywood also unveiled a major new attraction this season, the $50 million NightFlight Expedition indoor ride, inspired by the bioluminescent synchronized fireflies that light up the Smoky Mountains every summer.
This park, ranked on Tripadvisor’s No. 1 theme park. 1 in the US, continues to expand its footprint as tourism in the East Tennessee region grows. The company has already built two resorts and is planning another resort.
HeartSong Lodge and Resort with DreamMore Resort and Spa behind. (Dollywood Co.)
“We have planned five recreational areas in this area,” Naughton said. “We own 1,142 hectares, and there are about 46 million people living within nine kilometers of our site who are park users. I’m very excited to tell more people in the world about the wonderful things that are happening here.”
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Beyond the Smoky Mountains, Parton also expanded her hospitality presence in Tennessee.
“Yes, we have a new hotel, the Songteller, opening in late summer, early fall in Nashville,” he said.
The Dragonflier roller coaster at the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Dollywood’s growth comes as the broader theme park industry faces economic pressure. Data from Consumer Edge shows that spending at US theme parks fell nearly 5% last summer compared to 2024, as rising costs led some low- and middle-income families to cut back on travel and entertainment.
Park leaders say Dollywood’s focus on family experiences and regional culture helps it stand out.
“It’s very family-oriented,” said Julie Collins, train engineer and supervisor at Dollywood. “We love that families come and ride the train. Some kids have never seen a real train, so it’s the first time. That’s what they come here for. It’s a little kid’s dream.”
The Dollywood Express train at Dollywood. (Dollywood Co.)
For Parton, the park’s success ultimately comes down to something simpler than rides or investment.
“I pray a lot, and God has been really good to me,” she said. “But, I think a lot of it has to do with good management and how we treat people… They feel loved and valued, and we want them to feel that way all the time.”
Dollywood officially opened to the public on Friday with the I Will Always Love You Festival, launching what the park hopes will be a strong season in the Smoky Mountains.
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Parton said fans should expect more projects ahead.
“I’ve been writing a lot, thinking a lot, praying a lot and preparing for a lot of new things to come,” she said. “I’m ready. I’m not done yet. I’m not done yet.”
