Dollywood Unveils Permanent Tributes to Late Founder Dolly Parton

Dollywood has announced a series of permanent tributes to honor its late founder, Dolly Parton, following her death on August 25, 2026. The Tennessee theme park revealed plans for three major additions during a press conference on September 2, 2026, designed to celebrate different facets of the country music icon's life and legacy. The most significant changes will center on the park's Robert F. Thomas Chapel. Dollywood plans to install a cascading mountainside waterfall outside the chapel's front steps, creating a reflection area with a sculpted guitar centerpiece. Inside, the chapel's plain windows will be replaced with custom stained-glass artwork inspired by the Bible verse Ecclesiastes 3:1, depicting the changing seasons of the Smoky Mountains. This tribute is intended to honor Parton's deep faith and her Smoky Mountain roots. A new interactive character named the Dream Maker will be introduced in the Wildwood Grove area in 2027. Inspired by Parton's Imagination Library literacy program, the Dream Maker will travel with a "Dream Wagon," encouraging children to share their dreams and learn stories that promote kindness and self-belief.