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After Nearly 40 Years, Dolly Parton Leaves Dollywood Behind

This winter, Dolly Parton will be stepping away from the theme park she’s helped shape for nearly four decades. The country music legend is leaving behind Dollywood and her beloved Smoky Mountains, at least for a while.

Dollywood entrance sign
Credit: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr

Parton purchased Dollywood in 1986, taking over the former Rebel Railroad theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She had always promised herself that if she ever made it big, she would give back to her community, and she has certainly kept that promise. Dollywood has grown into a major employer in Tennessee, providing thousands of jobs and contributing to the local economy while offering guests a unique slice of Southern charm and entertainment.

For nearly 40 years, Parton has spent time at Dollywood, occasionally appearing at special events or in parades and greeting fans. However, this year, Dolly will miss out on some of the park’s beloved holiday festivities in favor of an exciting new venture in Las Vegas.

This week, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Parton will headline a six-show residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from December 4 to 13, 2025. This will be her first significant Las Vegas residency in over 30 years; she previously performed nearly 50 shows at The Mirage from 1990 to 1993.

Dolly Parton Image
Credit: Pipilongstockings, Flickr

“To say I’m excited would be an understatement. I haven’t worked Vegas in years and I’ve always loved singing there,” Parton said in a statement. “I’m looking so forward to the shows in The Colosseum at Caesars and I hope you are as well. See you there.”

The residency, titled “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas,” is being marketed as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s most beloved entertainers at the peak of her success.” During these special shows, Parton will perform some of her most iconic hits, including “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Coat of Many Colors.”

Dolly Parton
Credit: Alan Light, Flickr

Tickets for the residency go on sale Wednesday, June 25, at 10:00 a.m. PT, according to Dolly Parton’s X (formerly Twitter) account. No presale information has been released, but VIP packages are available, offering exclusive merchandise, drinks, and photo opportunities with the country music legend herself.

Grab your rhinestones, Vegas is calling! ✨ I’m taking over The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with Dolly: Live in Las Vegas, a limited-run engagement from December 4-13. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, June 25th at 10 am PT! dolly.link.to/Vegas

Have you seen Dolly Parton perform live? Share your memories with Disney Fanatic in the comments! 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

One Comment

  1. It was actually called Silver Dollar City right before it became Dollywood, before that it was Gold Rush Junction and Rebel Railroad.

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