Dolly Parton's Favorite Attractions In Dollywood Are Full Of Country Flair
Whether you're a fan of her music or simply love her vibe and philanthropy, singer/songwriter Dolly Parton was a national treasure. Parton sadly died at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, acceptance, and joy. If you're visiting the charming town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, gateway to the Smoky Mountains National Park, you can learn all about her life and career and enjoy the rides and attractions at Dollywood, which she co-owned. This family-friendly spot has the same feeling of warmth that Parton's music always has. Though the park has a wide variety of things to do, Parton herself had some favorite attractions that she spoke about to Travel + Leisure in 2024. They include the shows "Forever Country," "The Kingdom Heirs," and "Heidi Parton's Kin & Friends." (Heidi is her niece.) She told the site, "So many country singers started here at Dollywood, and so that's really a wonderful compliment to us!"
Other Dollywood shows include "Good Vibes," with songs from several genres; "Heartsong," a sensorial experience; "Play On," with performances celebrating the park's history; and "The Imagination Playhouse," where kids can watch and sing along to live versions of children's books. There are also family-friendly festivals, including 2026's I Will Always Love You Festival, which featured the iconic ballad, and the show "From the Heart: The Life & Music of Dolly Parton." Later in the year, visitors can experience the Harvest Festival, celebrating fall and Halloween, and Smoky Mountain Christmas, with Santa visits, festive decorations, and holiday shows.
Dolly Parton was especially proud of the shows at Dollywood
One of Dolly Parton's favorite shows, "Forever Country," has a cast of seven who perform popular country hits from the '80s and '90s. In a Facebook post by Jonny Amusement, commenters were asked about the "Forever Country" show at Dollywood. One responded, "Great show and even greater people. You should get to know them and you will love them even more!" Another raved, "Love this show...We watch everytime we come and they are there!" Meanwhile, "The Kingdom Heirs" features an award-winning gospel singing group that performs hits in the genre at the Showstreet Palace Theater. In a Facebook post in the Dollywood Tips & Tricks group, the show is referred to as "amazing," while another post from the Kingdom Heirs Fan Page said, "Totally awesome. They always have a great show. They are the BEST."
Following the debut performance of "Heidi Parton's Kin & Friends," Parton told Travel + Leisure, "I was very impressed with that. ... There's so much talent, not just in my family, but with all the young talent." Park-goers seem impressed, too. In a review on Google Maps, one person called the show "very entertaining and heartfelt." Parton's niece and the cast perform songs from several genres, and in one performance from 2025 posted on YouTube, they tackled titles from Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Elton John, and country songs from the late Parton herself.
If you're visiting Dollywood to see some shows and pay tribute to this legendary country singer/songwriter, spend some time in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the best U.S. national parks for hiking, according to visitors. It's the most-visited national park in the country, and well worth exploring.