Dollywood, the enchanting theme park nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has long captivated millions of visitors with its blend of thrilling rides, heartfelt entertainment, and authentic Appalachian charm. As one of the most visited attractions in the state, drawing over three million guests annually, it’s no surprise that questions about its ownership frequently arise. Who owns Dollywood? Is it solely the brainchild of country music legend Dolly Parton, or is there more to the story? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the ownership structure, history, and ongoing success of Dollywood, shedding light on the dynamic partnership that keeps this Smoky Mountain gem shining bright. Whether you’re planning a family trip to this Dolly Parton theme park or simply curious about its business side, understanding Dollywood’s ownership reveals the perfect harmony of celebrity vision and family-run expertise.
The Origins of Dollywood: From Rebel Railroad to Smoky Mountain Staple
To grasp who owns Dollywood today, we must first trace its roots back to the early 1960s. The park’s story begins in 1961 when it opened as Rebel Railroad, a modest attraction operated by the Robbins Brothers from North Carolina. Spanning just a small plot of land, it featured a coal-fired steam train called Klondike Katie, a general store, a blacksmith shop, and a saloon—simple offerings that evoked the rugged pioneer spirit of the Smoky Mountains. This early incarnation aimed to immerse visitors in the local way of life, complete with live demonstrations and scenic train rides through the forested hills.
By 1970, the park changed hands again, this time purchased by Art Modell, the owner of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. Renamed Goldrush Junction and touted as “Tennessee’s Million Dollar Fun Attraction,” it underwent significant expansions. Additions included a wood shop, sawmill, outdoor theater, log cabins, a campground, children’s rides, gold panning activities, and even the relocation of the Log Flume ride from the New York World’s Fair. In 1973, the Robert F. Thomas Church was built, honoring a beloved Sevier County doctor who had delivered many local children—including a young Dolly Parton, the fourth of twelve siblings born to her parents. This church would later become a poignant symbol of Appalachian Christian values and community heritage.
The pivotal shift came in 1977 when brothers Jack and Pete Herschend acquired the property through their company, Herschend Enterprises. They rebranded it as Silver Dollar City, Tennessee, drawing inspiration from their successful Branson, Missouri, counterpart. The Herschend family had entered the attractions business decades earlier, leasing Marvel Cave in 1950 and launching the original Silver Dollar City in 1960. That Missouri park celebrated late-1800s Appalachian life with frontier-style buildings, hillbilly music, and costumed interpreters, setting a template for authenticity and family-friendly fun. In Tennessee, the Herschends poured over a million dollars into upgrades, focusing on Craftsman’s Valley—a hub for artisans like blacksmiths, wood carvers, and lye soap makers. By 1983, they unveiled the Silver Dollar Grist Mill, the first working grist mill constructed in Tennessee in over a century, further cementing the park’s commitment to preserving regional craftsmanship.
These early evolutions laid the groundwork for what would become Dollywood, transforming a niche railroad exhibit into a burgeoning theme park destination. Without the Herschends’ operational savvy, the site might have remained a footnote in Smoky Mountain tourism history.
Dolly Parton’s Vision: Infusing Heart and Heritage into the Park
Enter Dolly Parton, the Sevier County native whose rags-to-riches story mirrors the very spirit of the Appalachians. Born in a one-room cabin on Locust Ridge in 1946, Parton has always worn her roots on her sleeve—quite literally, with her signature rhinestone flair. By the mid-1980s, she was a global superstar, but her heart remained tied to her hometown. In 1986, Parton struck a transformative partnership with the Herschends, rebranding Silver Dollar City as Dollywood. This wasn’t just a name change; it was a reinvention, infusing the park with Parton’s personal touch: storytelling through music, family-oriented shows, and tributes to Southern gospel and country traditions.
Parton’s involvement went beyond branding. She envisioned Dollywood as a celebration of her heritage, where visitors could experience the joys and challenges of mountain life. The inaugural season introduced Rivertown Junction, featuring Aunt Granny’s restaurant (inspired by her own family), Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home, the Back Porch Theatre, and the Smoky Mountain Rampage ride. Attendance skyrocketed to 1.3 million in that first year—a 54% jump from 1986 and 160% from the prior season—proving the magic of merging celebrity allure with authentic experiences. Parton’s hands-on role extended to curating entertainment, from the Showcase of Stars concert series debuting in 1988 with top country acts to the 1994 Heartsong film, a multimedia narrative of her life narrated in her own voice.
Today, Parton’s influence permeates every corner: the Chasing Rainbows Museum chronicles her career, while festivals like the Smoky Mountain Christmas—with over two million twinkling lights—echo her love for holiday cheer. Her commitment isn’t performative; proceeds from Dollywood support the Dollywood Foundation, which has donated millions to local education and literacy programs, including the Imagination Library that mails free books to children worldwide.
Herschend Family Enterprises: The Operational Powerhouse
While Dolly Parton provides the star power, Herschend Family Enterprises (HFE) supplies the operational muscle. As the largest family-owned themed attractions company in the world, HFE manages over 40 attractions across the U.S., including Silver Dollar City in Missouri, Dollywood’s sister parks, and recent acquisitions like Kennywood and Idlewild in Pennsylvania. Founded by the Herschend brothers in the 1950s, the company remains under family control, emphasizing values like stewardship, innovation, and community impact. Their portfolio spans theme parks, water parks, zoos, and immersive experiences, all designed to foster joy and preserve cultural legacies.
In Dollywood’s case, HFE handles day-to-day operations, from ride maintenance to festival logistics. They’ve invested over $110 million in expansions since 1986, growing the park from 100 to 150 acres and adding world-class coasters like the Tennessee Tornado (1999), Thunderhead (2004), and Big Bear Mountain (2023)—the longest in park history. HFE’s expertise shines in sustainability efforts, too, such as energy-efficient lighting during the Great Pumpkin LumiNights display, which features thousands of hand-carved pumpkins.
The Herschends’ family ethos aligns seamlessly with Parton’s. Both prioritize philanthropy—HFE supports conservation initiatives in the Smokies—and guest satisfaction, earning Dollywood top rankings like #1 U.S. theme park by Tripadvisor in recent years.
Ownership Structure: A Balanced 50/50 Partnership
So, who truly owns Dollywood? The answer is a harmonious 50/50 split between Dolly Parton (through her entertainment company, The Dollywood Company) and Herschend Family Enterprises. This equal partnership, forged in 1986, has endured for nearly four decades, blending Parton’s creative vision with HFE’s business acumen. Neither party holds majority control, ensuring decisions reflect mutual goals: fun, authenticity, and community uplift.
This structure isn’t unique to Dollywood; HFE co-owns other ventures, like Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show with Parton. The balance prevents any single entity from dominating, fostering innovation—witness the 2021 announcement of a $500 million, 10-year investment plan, including the HeartSong Lodge & Resort opened in 2023. Speculation about sales or shifts in ownership occasionally surfaces, but as of 2025, the duo remains steadfast, with no indications of change.
Financial Insights: Earnings, Value, and Economic Impact
Curious about the dollars behind the dreams? Parton’s 50% stake in Dollywood was valued at approximately $165 million by Forbes in 2021, reflecting the park’s robust revenue streams from tickets, merchandise, dining, and festivals. Annual earnings for Parton from the park aren’t publicly detailed, but Dollywood generates tens of millions yearly, bolstered by add-ons like Dollywood’s Splash Country water park (opened 2001) and the adjacent DreamMore Resort.
Economically, Dollywood is a powerhouse: it employs over 7,000 seasonal workers and injects billions into the Sevier County economy since inception. In 2023 alone, visitor spending supported local businesses from Pigeon Forge hotels to Gatlinburg eateries. This ripple effect underscores why ownership stability matters—consistent investment drives growth, like the 2019 Wildwood Grove expansion with its family-focused rides.
Growth and Milestones: Thrills Under Shared Ownership
Under this joint ownership, Dollywood has amassed a trophy case of achievements. From the 1989 Thunder Express coaster to the record-breaking Lightning Rod (2016)—the world’s fastest wooden launching coaster—the park boasts over a dozen thrill rides alongside gentle family options. Festivals anchor the calendar: the Flower & Food Festival (debut 2020, award-winner), Harvest Festival with its pumpkin luminarias, and Smoky Mountain Christmas, all drawing repeat crowds.
Milestones abound: In 2010, Dollywood snagged the Applause Award, the industry’s highest honor. By 2020, despite pandemic challenges, it ranked #8 globally on Tripadvisor. Recent hits include the 2023 Big Bear Mountain coaster and enhanced drone shows, proving the partnership’s adaptability.
Community Ties and Philanthropy: Beyond the Gates
Dollywood’s owners extend their influence outward. Parton’s Dollywood Foundation has granted over $100 million to East Tennessee causes, focusing on literacy and disaster relief—post-2016 wildfires, it raised millions for recovery. HFE complements this with environmental stewardship, partnering with the National Park Service to protect Smoky Mountain biodiversity.
Locally, the park fosters jobs and tourism, making Pigeon Forge a year-round hub. Events like the Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival celebrate regional cuisine and music, strengthening cultural bonds.
Looking Ahead: Future Expansions and Legacy
As of 2025, Dollywood’s owners eye continued evolution. The $500 million commitment promises more rides, lodging, and sustainability upgrades, potentially including eco-friendly tech and expanded wellness experiences at HeartSong Resort. With HFE’s recent acquisitions signaling growth, Dollywood remains central to their empire.
In essence, who owns Dollywood? It’s a shared legacy of Dolly Parton’s heartfelt vision and the Herschend family’s steadfast operations—a 50/50 symphony that’s turned a mountain dream into a global draw. Whether coaster-hopping or show-watching, every visit honors this enduring alliance.
References
- Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation. “About Us.” https://www.hfecorp.com/ [Accessed October 2025]
- Knox News. “Who owns Dollywood? How much Dolly Parton earns from theme park.” August 2, 2024. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2024/08/02/who-owns-dollywood-how-much-dolly-parton-earns-from-theme-park/74599349007/
- Dollywood Official Website. “Dollywood Parks & Resorts.” https://www.hfecorp.com/experiences/dollywood-parks-and-resorts/
- Wikipedia. “Herschend.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herschend
- CBS Pittsburgh on Facebook. “Kennywood and Dollywood are now owned by the same company.” May 27, 2025. https://www.facebook.com/CBSPittsburgh/posts/kennywood-and-dollywood-are-now-owned-by-the-same-company-herschend-finalized-it/1112950574213133/
- WTRF. “Company that owns Dollywood is purchasing Kennywood.” March 19, 2025. https://www.wtrf.com/pittsburgh/company-that-owns-dollywood-is-purchasing-kennywood-sandcastle-and-idlewild-park/
- WVLT. “Herschend family and Dolly Parton built Dollywood.” March 15, 2024. https://www.wvlt.tv/2024/03/15/herschend-family-dolly-parton-built-dollywood/
- Hearthside Cabin Rentals. “10 Things About Dollywood That Might Surprise You.” February 17, 2025. https://www.hearthsidecabinrentals.com/blog/pigeon-forge/pigeon-forge-attractions/things-about-dollywood-surprise-you/
