The Gates of Dollywood Opened Once More—And Dolly Parton Reminded Everyone What Magic Really Feels Like. ML
There are grand openings, and then there are Dolly openings.
The Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, returned to her beloved Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to celebrate the unveiling of The Dream Garden — a stunning new addition that turns the country star’s lifelong love of nature and storytelling into a living, breathing wonderland.
The morning sun painted the Smoky Mountains gold as Dolly arrived, radiant in a pastel floral ensemble that glittered as brightly as her smile. Ever the showwoman, she transformed a traditional ceremony into an intimate celebration of joy and gratitude.
“I always wanted Dollywood to be a place where dreams grow,” she said, standing before the crowd with that unmistakable Dolly twinkle. “And I think we just planted another one right here.”
The Dream Garden is designed like something out of a country fairytale — part botanical paradise, part petting zoo, part living art exhibit. Guests can stroll through flower-lined paths, encounter gentle animals such as alpacas and goats, and discover whimsical sculptures that celebrate Dolly’s roots in East Tennessee.
Then, in true Dolly fashion, she turned the event into a mini concert, serenading fans with “My Tennessee Mountain Home.” The crowd fell silent as her voice, tender and timeless, echoed through the valley.
“This place is my heart,” she told guests afterward. “When people come here and find peace, I feel like I’m giving a little bit of the mountains back to them.”
Hundreds gathered for the event, many holding handmade signs or wearing sequined jackets inspired by Dolly’s famous wardrobe. The atmosphere was pure happiness — families dancing, kids feeding goats, and longtime fans tearing up as Dolly waved from the stage.
Before leaving, the country icon couldn’t resist one last joke. “Now don’t let them goats steal the show — but if they start dancin’ to ‘Jolene,’ you can’t blame ’em!” she quipped, sending the crowd into laughter.
As she waved goodbye, it was clear: The Dream Garden isn’t just Dollywood’s newest attraction. It’s another piece of Dolly’s legacy — one rooted in kindness, creativity, and the everlasting beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
