Dolly Parton Reflects On Dollywood As It Nears Its 40th Anniversary
Dolly Parton is preparing to celebrate 40 years since Dollywood opened its doors.
Parton’s career is nothing short of legendary. With more than 100 million records sold worldwide across her 60-year career, she has solidified herself as a music icon.
The Country Music Hall of Famer has seen 25 singles soar to No. 1 on the country music charts and has charted over 110 singles in the last four decades. Additionally, Parton has written more than 3,000 songs.
Her achievements have earned her an impressive collection of awards, including 11 Grammy Awards, 10 CMA Awards, 5 ACM Awards, and many others.
But, despite all of her incredible success as a country music artist, she considers one of her greatest accomplishments to be the opening of her adored amusement park, Dollywood.
The “Jolene” singer opened Dollywood in 1986 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Having grown up in the area, she wanted to create something that would give back to the community that shaped her. Today, Dollywood is the largest employer in the region, providing jobs for nearly 4,000 people.
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Now, after four decades of bringing families and visitors from all over the world together, Parton is taking a moment to reflect on the lasting legacy of Dollywood. She even shares what her favorite tasty treat is at the park.
In the January edition of Southern Living, Parton simply said that she “just wanted to do good” with the opportunities she’s been given. However, there’s nothing simple about the incredible impact she’s had on the community.
Not only has Dollywood provided thousands of jobs for residents, but she also launched her Imagination Library through the Dollywood Foundation, which partners with local organizations to provide free books to children worldwide.
What Is Dolly’s Favorite Dollywood Snack?
Obviously, Dollywood has brought so much joy to millions of people over the last 40 years. Parton herself visits the park often to enjoy it, too. And when she does, there’s always one particular sweet treat she absolutely has to have.
“The funnel cakes we’re famous for, so I never go there…even if I’m in my bus or if I’m in my suite, The Dolly Suite, I say, ‘Run and get me some funnel cakes. I can’t leave here without funnel cakes,’” she shared. “I have to say, we have some of the best foods ever at Dollywood.”
It’s no surprise that Parton has made sure to offer plenty of delicious snacks at Dollywood. She’s quite the chef herself, even releasing a cookbook with her sister Rachel featuring over 80 recipes of dishes inspired by meals she loved as a child.
And I’m sure the funnel cakes Parton loves are a bit tastier than the groundhog her mom used to cook for her and her 11 siblings!