EXCLUSIVE: DOLLY PARTON – “9 TO 5” ICON CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF DOLLYWOOD
There are few names in American music and culture that shine as brightly as Dolly Parton. From her timeless hits like “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors”, and the unforgettable anthem “9 to 5”, to her generosity, humor, and unshakable faith, Dolly has spent more than six decades proving that talent and kindness can go hand in hand. This year marks a particularly special milestone — the 25th anniversary of Dollywood, her beloved theme park nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
For Dolly, this isn’t just a celebration of rides, music, and family entertainment. It’s a reflection of everything she holds dear — her roots, her people, and the joy of giving something back to the place that shaped her. “Dollywood is not just a park,” Dolly once said with her trademark sparkle. “It’s a piece of my heart.”
When Dollywood first opened its gates in 1986, few could have imagined that it would grow into one of the most beloved attractions in America, drawing millions of visitors each year. Built on the site of a small local amusement park, it was Dolly’s dream to create something that would bring jobs, pride, and happiness to her home region of Sevier County, Tennessee. Over the years, Dollywood has expanded to include world-class roller coasters, award-winning shows, and even the Dollywood DreamMore Resort, a luxury destination that welcomes families from all over the world.
But what truly sets Dollywood apart is its soul — and that soul is pure Dolly Parton. Every corner of the park reflects her spirit, from the music echoing through the air to the stories of Appalachian life told through exhibits, crafts, and performances. Visitors can walk through Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home, a faithful replica of her childhood cabin, and feel the warmth of her beginnings — humble, honest, and filled with love.
As Dollywood celebrates 25 years, Dolly herself remains as vibrant and energetic as ever. She continues to record music, perform, and inspire millions through her philanthropy, including her Imagination Library, which has provided over 200 million free books to children across the globe. “I’ve always believed that if you’re lucky enough to be successful, you should use that success to lift others up,” she once said — and few have lived that belief more fully than she has.
This anniversary also reminds fans of the enduring power of Dolly’s music. Her hit “9 to 5”, released in 1980, remains an anthem of resilience, hard work, and hope. Its message — that ordinary people deserve respect, opportunity, and dignity — continues to ring true today. Watching Dolly sing that song now, decades later, is to witness a woman who not only changed the face of country music but also helped shape a generation’s understanding of perseverance and positivity.
To mark the 25th anniversary, Dollywood hosted a series of concerts, parades, and special events honoring Dolly’s extraordinary journey. Fans traveled from across the United States and beyond to take part, many of them lifelong admirers who grew up listening to her voice and following her story. “It feels like coming home,” one visitor said. “Dolly’s music has always been part of our lives — and being here, surrounded by what she built, makes it all real.”
As the lights twinkle over Dollywood at sunset, and families laugh and sing to Dolly’s tunes, one thing becomes clear: this is more than an amusement park. It’s a living tribute to a woman whose heart never left the Smoky Mountains. For Dolly Parton, the celebration of 25 years of Dollywood isn’t just about looking back — it’s about continuing to dream, to build, and to share joy with the world.
And in true Dolly fashion, she sums it up best with a smile:
“As long as there’s music in these mountains and love in my heart, I’ll keep shining on.”