DOLLY PARTON: Songwriter, Actress, Performer and Queen of Southern Hospitality entertainers in American history. F A songwriter, performer, actress, philanthropist and unmistakable country music icon, but to understand Dolly’s lasting influence, it is important to look beyond the stage and recording studio. Parton has also built a remarkable legacy in the hospitality and tourism industry, proving that welcoming people, creating memorable That story is perhaps best represented by Dollywood, the beloved theme park nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Parton became involved with the park in 1986, partnering with the Herschend family to transform what had previously been Silver Dollar City into Dollywood. What began as a business venture quickly became something much larger. Dolly infused the park with her personality, her Appalachian roots, and her belief that visitors should feel as though they are guests in her own home. Rather than simply creating a collection of rides and attractions, she helped create a destination built around storytelling, family, music, food, craftsmanship and Southern culture. The success of Dollywood demonstrated that hospitality could be about far more than providing a bed, a meal, or an attraction. It could be about creating a feeling. Visitors to Dollywood encounter Appalachian traditions, live entertainment, distinctive food, festivals, artisans and attractions designed for families of different generations. The park's identity is deeply connected to the region or generations, Dolly Parton has been celebrated as one of the greatest experiences and treating every guest with genuine kindness can be just as powerful as performing beneath the spotlight. VINCENT TROPEPE <CHEFVTROPEPE@GMAIL.COM>
Hospitality News / National Edition / Sept 2026 / Page 33
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