does dolly parton ever tour

Dolly Parton Reveals She Won't Be Touring Again Because She "Needs to Be" With Her Husband

In a new interview, Dolly makes a rare mention of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean.

The Queen of Country is at it again with her latest album, Rockstar , which features an extensive list of other A-list singers and songwriters (Elton John, Debbie Harry, Sting — just to name a few). There are over 30 songs, including nine original tracks, so, naturally, fans are wondering when they can see Dolly Parton on tour.

As epic as we know it would be, Dolly has confirmed once again that she will no longer be touring. In a recent interview with Good Housekeeping to promote her new alum and book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones , on TalkShopLive (which you can watch above), Dolly revealed the main reason she's stopped touring.

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"I don't tour anymore," Dolly said with a laugh. "I've got so many business things I'm doing. And my husband and I are getting older — he's a little older than I am — and I kind of need to be with him."

Dolly also noted that the time it takes to bring a tour together is a big commitment regardless of how old you are. "You got to be committed to that. And I did that all my life."

But don't be too disappointed. Dolly said she's definitely open to performing the songs with the other artists for an awards show or some other television special. And even if we can't go to a Dolly show, we can rest assured knowing at least she's got no plans to retire.

"I might take off of you know, a month instead of a week, but no, I don't plan to ever retire unless my husband was sick and really needed me, or I was sick, that'd be the only two reasons I would ever quit. And let's hope that never happens."

Amen, Dolly!

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Dolly Parton Reveals She Won't Be Touring Again Because She "Needs to Be" With Her Husband

The Queen of Country is at it again with her latest album, Rockstar , which features an extensive list of other A-list singers and songwriters (Elton John, Debbie Harry, Sting—just to name a few). There are over 30 songs, including nine original tracks, so, naturally, fans are wondering when they can see Dolly Parton on tour.

As epic as we know it would be, Dolly has confirmed once again that she will no longer be touring. In a recent interview with Good Housekeeping to promote her new alum and book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones , on TalkShopLive (which you can watch above), Dolly revealed the main reason she's stopped touring.

"I don't tour anymore," Dolly said with a laugh. "I've got so many business things I'm doing. And my husband and I are getting older—he's a little older than I am—and I kind of need to be with him."

Dolly also noted that the time it takes to bring a tour together is a big commitment regardless of how old you are. "You got to be committed to that. And I did that all my life."

But don't be too disappointed. Dolly said she's definitely open to performing the songs with the other artists for an awards show or some other television special. And even if we can't go to a Dolly show, we can rest assured knowing at least she's got no plans to retire.

"I might take off of you know, a month instead of a week, but no, I don't plan to ever retire unless my husband was sick and really needed me, or I was sick, that'd be the only two reasons I would ever quit. And let's hope that never happens."

Amen, Dolly!

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Dolly Parton  

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Dolly Parton is a singer and songwriter hailing from Sevier County, Tennessee, United States who was born on January 19th, 1946. Since her debut, she has released 42 studio albums and become one of the most beloved and successful country singers the world has ever known.

Born to a “dirt poor” family as one of twelve siblings living in a one room cabin in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton had something of a gift for singing. So much so that she was featuring on local television and radio by the time she was ten, a mere two years after she'd gotten her first guitar. She continued performing at every chance she got and the moment that she graduated from high school, she moved out and relocated to her native state's capital Nashville to pursue a genuine career in music. Even when she was at such a young age, her first major success came as a songwriter, after she signed a deal Combine Publishing and wrote a number of hits for artists like Hank Williams Jr, and Skeeter Davis with her uncle Bill Owens. However, behind the scenes was never going to be enough for Parton.

In 1965 she signed a record deal proper with Monument records, the problem was the she was pitched to the label as a bubblegum pop singer when she really wanted to make country music. After releasing a few singles that sank without a trace, a composition of hers, “Put It Off Until Tomorrow”, became a huge hit on the charts thanks to Bill Phillips, who took it to number 6 on the country charts in 1966. As a result of this, Parton's label relented and allowed her to make country records from then on. Parton's story arguably begins there and right off the bat, her first two singles as a country artist went to number 24 (“Dumb Blonde”) and number 17 (“Somethin' Fishy”) respectively.

Her debut album “Hello, I'm Dolly” was released in February 1967, and Parton began building a reputation for herself as one of the most talented young songwriters around. Most notably attracting the attention of country veteran Porter Wagoner, who gave her an enormous leg up by featuring her regularly on his TV show and securing her a record deal with his label RCA. For the rest of the decade, the majority of her hit singles were duets with Wagoner, although from time to time solo singles of hers like “Just Because I'm A Woman” and “In The Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)” would break out and become legitimate hits of her own. However, her first bona-fide smash hit wouldn't come until 1973, and in a flurry of auburn hair and emerald green eyes, “Jolene” topped the country charts and broke into the Billboard Hot 100 for the very first time in Parton's career.

After professionally splitting from Porter Wagoner she wrote her second country number one single “I Will Always Love You”, and after she proved to the world that she was an artist with genuine staying power, Parton's star continued to rise and rise from then on. She began crossing over into mainstream stardom over the course of the 70's, with her 1977 album “Here You Come Again” breaking her all over again by selling over a million copies and cracking the top 20 of the Billboard 200. By the end of the decade, Parton's singles were regularly charting in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 while also colonising the country charts, and the height of her commercial clout came in 1980, when her single “9 To 5” became a triple number one hit, topping the country and adult-contemporary charts, and becoming her only single to top the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time.

Ever since then, Parton has become arguably the most iconic country musician since Johnny Cash, with a back catalogue to rival any iconic artist from any era and the name recognition to draw a crowd of over a hundred thousand people to her concert at the 2014 Glastonbury festival, half a century after beginning her journey in music. She remains at the top of her game, and she comes highly recommended.

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Many living legends have found their way onto the stage at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, but very few have been able to compete with the natural spectacle of the venue. Dolly Parton proved to be an exception to the rule on Wednesday night. At 70 years old, the woman best known for her contribution to country and western music, took one look at the grand monoliths towering above her and laughed like a little girl. “C’mon Colorado, let’s get our rocks off tonight!” Still perfectly comfortable playing the town trollop with a heart of gold, Dolly performed an epic two-hour set of hits, classics, and covers, all augmented with anecdotes plucked from her storied past, in an accent that conveyed a southern innocence with a healthy dose of grit.

Grandiose is every way — from her big blonde hair to her perfectly manicured toes; from her shiny made-up face to her silver six inch heels; from her rhinestone-encrusted dresses to her rhinestone-encrusted guitars; from her famously huge breasts to her famously tiny waistline — every feature augmented, every flaw erased, giving the impression of a real-life backwoods Barbie doll. Her appearance onstage was almost blinding. Sheer curtains acted as window dressing, and although her simple 3-piece band were up there as well, Dolly Parton was a beacon of light that negated everything around her. Dressed all in white, with her platinum hair and alabaster skin glowing under an intense spotlight, she resembled a woman half her age. Part beauty queen, part cartoon diva, Dolly was literally beaming with life as she gave her first warning of the evening; “they are filming tonight, so it you are here with someone you aren’t supposed to be, be careful,” she laughed, infecting everyone in the vicinity.

Dolly Parton has built an empire around her image (estimated net worth = $500 million). Aside from her work in the music industry, she is also an accomplished actress, author, and businesswoman. She literally has an amusement park called Dollywood. But none of that matters when it comes to her live performance. Sure, there is a novelty aspect to seeing someone like Dolly Parton in the flesh, but if she couldn’t sing, that’s all it would be. Luckily, her voice has held up as well as her various elective surgeries. “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That” found the extremely diverse crowd on their feet, singing and dancing along with a song that came out in the late 80’s, yet sounded exactly as it did on White Limozeen. “Jolene”, presented surprisingly early in the set, came with its own introduction about the girl who tried to steal her husband away, but in failing to do so, made her a lot of money. She performed the song with an effortlessness that was almost surreal. How a 70-year-old woman can sound exactly as she did when she was 28, especially when performing at an elevation of 6,400 feet, is beyond me.

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As we stood there, starring at the dimly lit stage, we could feel the presence of an icon was about to descend on us. Children, grandmothers, flamboyantly dressed gay men, and women. A see of women and it felt great. We were all one now. The room began to rumble, as the no-one-cares-who-he-is guitarist announced: "Ladies and Gentlemen…... Miss Dollllllly Parrrrrrton!" With spunk and pep she cut into the darkness on to the stage. Her sequence collar and her tassled denim jacket squeeze her ribs tighter than string on a baked ham. And the crowd roared. How it roared. Her collagen filled lips split over porcelain teeth as her eyes glistened.

"How Ya'll doing out there?!" My heart stop. And for a moment, I struggled to breath.

I'd never seen anything like this. She wasn't human, she was a Devine spirit and we had all been born again.

The band began in perfect tempo as a lull behind this siren. From behind her back she took out a beautiful white acoustic guitar and started to strum on the strings- she could do it in her sleep. Over 50 years on stage, 10 record labels, 11 concert tours, 42 studio albums, and a theme park to boot.

For those who don't dig country music, you must listen to Dolly Parton, you must go to her shows and see this for yourself while she is still on Earth with us.

Her epic song writing has withstood the test of time. Songs of love and heart break. Of being strong and standing up for yourself in a world that is often so against us. Her music is timeless, her lyrics are deep in their simplicity and everything this woman stands for is awe-inspiring. Dolly Parton is the original Spice Girl, the first Lady Gaga and living proof that anything is possible when you refuse to conform. Don't be fooled by this dumb blond, she is an entrepreneurial powerhouse who heralds from a tiny shack in Tennessee. Her rise to fame can only be credited to her complete determination and strength. As a concert goers we all walked out of the arena that night with just a little bit of it rubbed into us. Strength. Determination. Being true to ones-self.

Thank you Miss Parton, you put on one hell of a show.

Last year at Glastonbury the likes of Kasabian and Metallica stepped up to headline the prestigious Pyramid Stage yet one iconic performer pulled crowds of vaster numbers to the very same stage on a Sunday afternoon. Country music sensation Dolly Parton sauntered out onto stage as the majority of the festival goers gathered to watch this legend of pop and country perform with her live band. She did not disappoint and clearly understood the sheer importance of the platform that she was stood upon.

Bringing her A game along with a whole host of hits, she held the tens of thousands strong crowd with a pure professional ease as she has charisma to spare. Playing an impulsive saxophone instrumental of the Benny Hill theme was not the most surreal moment of the set, that was perhaps saved for the bellowing of '9 to 5' by near to 100,000 patrons all at once. Considering Dolly is almost 70 years old, she moved with energy and vigour as her beehive bopped along to the irresistible tones of 'Jolene' and 'Blue Smoke' whilst she saved her swan song 'I Will Always Love You' for an emotional finale that dwarfed the performance of almost every other act of the weekend.

I love your music. Me and my grandparents have a very bittersweet memories of dressing up like you and Kenny Rogers grandma made me a dress it was blue and it had big old fake boobs cuz I was 14 and I didn't have any of my own but I sure do know LOL but they put me in the lip sync contest and I won first place. lol . They passed away and my buried in an urn on top of my grandpa's grave they were so close it was unreal. They met you a lot they went out to Dollywood. And a few concerts too. But they passed and now every time I listen to your music I cry and when I go to the cemetery I played their favorite song by you islands in the stream. I really hope I'm lucky enough to meet you too one day or at least see you in concert. And they raised me and they were the best people in the world they were good honest good art of people they were my mom and dad that I never had

Dolly Parton show was AWESOME! She is witty, beautiful, can play 15 instruments and sing with the voice of an angel. Storytelling time, sitting on the bench with the coat of many colors draped over it was a cool part of the show. I believe she sang every song that I remember growing up. She is so cute making fun of herself in regard of her wig, her boobs, etc. I wish it would have gone on for hours more. She had a cold and sinus drainage, but other than drinking some water and blowing her nose, occasionally, we could not tell it. She is a Christian and spoke of God and family...the crowd of about 8000 people applauded and loved every second of this show. One of the true women out performing on tour! Love ya, Dolly Parton!

Dolly Parton is charming, funny, and loves her audience. Granted I am not a big country music fan nor do I know more than 3 Dolly Parton songs, but if one thing is clear it's that she LOVES her fans.

Throughout the show, she spoke about her upbringing, about what the songs mean to her, and her life. She pokes fun at herself and her appearance and overall I came away thinking of Dolly as a person you could meet and be friends with.

Lovely show, definitely for the older crowd, go for Dolly to be in her presence because she is straight-up one of the nicest artist ever, and stay for Jolene and 9-5 (her closing song was "I will always love you" and she dedicated it to the audience =)).

We need more Dolly Parton concerts in Boston or New York or Connecticut or somewhere around these states. We need more of her spiritual and beautiful voice and story telling. We have never seen such a great uplifting concert like hers before. No one can touch her and we need a few more concerts here in these parts. Dying and starving for another Dolly Parton concert! To get us going while Dolly is resting and gearing up for another concert , if anyone can make a suggestion for another singer who comes a little close to the awesomeness of Dolly, let me know. We will see the concert and will need to hold us over until Dolly gets on the road again for more concerts.

Dolly please come to Minnesota. I really would love to see her. Dolly I admire her so. Talented, smart and real. Dolly is one of the few people I can still see if she comes. I missed Johnny Cash and so many others. Not many artists come here. I don’t know why. I can’t imagine there would not be enough interests. Please Dolly , please.

we have seen her in concert many times at different places. Where we love best is at Dollywood when she has a concert there. Here is hoping she will have a concert at Dollywood the end of may to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary and bring Carl along to help her sing!!

would love that................

dora sumner

Words cannot describe spending the evening with Dolly Parton! Such a beautiful soul and wonderful story teller. She's brilliant and her concerts are always stellar. She never disappoints. This was my 3rd Dolly concert and I will go to every show I get the chance.

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Dolly Parton says she likely won't tour again, but may play live from time to time

Juliana Kim

Singer Dolly Parton Performs at Agua Caliente Casino on January 24, 2014 in Rancho Mirage, California. Valerie Macon/Getty Images hide caption

Singer Dolly Parton Performs at Agua Caliente Casino on January 24, 2014 in Rancho Mirage, California.

Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, doesn't plan to go back on the road and tour — despite plans to release a new rock album.

"I do not think I will ever tour again, but I do know I'll do special shows here and there, now and then," Parton said in an interview with Pollstar magazine published Thursday. "Maybe do a long weekend of shows, or just a few shows at a festival. But I have no intention of going on a full-blown tour anymore."

Parton, 76, said that at this point in her career, she prefers to not stray too far from family.

"I like to stay a little closer to home with my husband. We're getting older now, and I don't want to be gone for four or five weeks at a time. Something could happen," Parton said. "I would not feel right about that."

Parton's team did not respond to requests from NPR for additional comment.

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'dream it on through': dolly parton on her new album, inspiring young people and more.

Parton's last tour was her 2016 Pure and Simple Tour that spanned more than 60 cities in the U.S. and Canada — becoming her largest North American tour in over 25 years.

Although she doesn't plan on touring, Parton's career is far from over. In the same interview, Parton confirmed she is working to create a rock album after she wraps up work on a film adaptation of the best-selling James Patterson novel "Run, Rose, Run."

"I'm gathering all that stuff and notifying a few people," Parton said. "I'm looking forward to it."

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Why do we need dolly to be a saint.

The country singer hinted that she hopes to ask artists like Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus and Chris Stapleton to be featured.

The prospect of a new album comes as Parton is about to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 5. Parton sought to withdraw from the nomination, saying she didn't think she had " earned that right ," but the organization said she will remain in this year's ballot .

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Dolly Parton Announces Tour Featuring Her Songs Backed by Symphony Orchestras — but She Won't Be on Stage

'Threads: My Songs in Symphony' is co-produced by the country icon, who's "excited to share my songs and the stories behind them in this beautiful new way"

Jon Morgan/CBS via Getty

Dolly Parton 's music may be coming to a venue near you.

On May 23, the country icon, 78, announced Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony , a live performance featuring an orchestra performing her hits alongside videos of the "Jolene" artist singing and sharing stories behind the music.

Parton will not appear on stage in-person or perform live during the shows, though she did co-produce Threads: My Songs in Symphony alongside Schirmer Theatrical and Sony Music Publishing, while David Hamilton arranged her songs for orchestra.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

"I’m just so excited to share my songs and the stories behind them in this beautiful new way," said the Grammy winner in a statement. " Threads: My Songs in Symphony is like a journey through the heartstrings of my life."

Classics including "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," "I Will Always Love You" and more will be featured in the production, which launches March 20, 2025, with the Nashville Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in the Tennessee capital.

After the first performance, Threads will be expanded into a tour. "I hope we can take it far and wide to symphony orchestras everywhere," added Parton.

Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty

Robert Thompson, president of Schirmer Theatrical, said of the upcoming shows in a statement: "Bringing the genius, music, life and legacy of Dolly Parton to symphonic audiences is an honor for us. Audiences will hear for the first time Dolly’s songs performed by orchestras worldwide in this innovative symphonic storytelling experience."

Todd Ellis, director of licensing and strategic marketing at Sony Music Publishing, also said of Threads in a statement: "It's an incredible honor to represent the popular and influential song catalog of Dolly Parton. We Couldn't be more excited for fans to immerse themselves in her music and experience her songs in such a new and imaginative way."

Miller Mobley/NBC via Getty

Parton has previously explained why she doesn't plan to tour in the future , telling Pollstar in 2022, "I do not think I will ever tour again, but I do know I’ll do special shows here and there, now and then. Maybe do a long weekend of shows, or just a few shows at a festival. But I have no intention of going on a full-blown tour anymore."

"I’ve done that my whole life, and it takes so much time and energy. I like to stay a little closer to home with my husband. We’re getting older now, and I don’t want to be gone for four or five weeks at a time. Something could happen," she said at the time. "I would not feel right about that, if I were gone and somebody needed me. Or I would feel bad if I had to leave a tour if somebody got sick at home and needed me and then I had to walk out on the fans."

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Dolly Parton Says She Will No Longer Tour

"I do not think I will ever tour again, but I do know I'll do special shows here and there," Parton told Pollstar .

By Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson

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Parton’s most recent tour was her 2016 Pure & Simple Tour, which included 60 shows in the United States and Canada.

“I’ve done that my whole life, and it takes so much time and energy,” she added. “I like to stay a little closer to home with my husband [Carl Dean]. We’re getting older now, and I don’t want to be gone for four or five weeks at a time. Something could happen. I would not feel right about that, if I were gone and somebody needed me. Or I would feel bad if I had to leave a tour if somebody got sick at home and needed me and then I had to walk out on the fans.”

Last year, Parton told Billboard she was planning to work on a rock album, after news came that she was nominated for induction into the Rock Hall.

In her new Pollstar interview, she says she is working on the rock album, and that she plans to re-record “Stairway to Heaven,” the Led Zeppelin classic that Parton recorded in a bluegrass-inspired arrangement as part of her 2002 album Halos & Horns , part of her bluegrass trilogy of albums.

She also noted that she intends to ask several additional artists, including Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus and Heart, as well as country star Chris Stapleton, to be involved with the upcoming rock album.

“Chris Stapleton is one of my favorite people ever,” Parton said. “I have always wanted to do something with him. Even though he’s not considered rock ‘n’ roll, he’s kind of like me: He’s accepted all the way around. I’m thinking that certainly out of the country field, when I do my rock album, I’m going to maybe ask him.”

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Dolly Parton says she doesn’t plan to tour ever again, confirms rock album

Dolly Parton has had a storied career that has spanned nearly six decades since she was discovered in 1966. Now, at 76, the country music icon is opening up on whether or not she'll ever tour again, and why.

"I do not think I will ever tour again, but I do know I’ll do special shows here and there, now and then," Parton told Pollstar magazine in an interview that was published on Thursday, Oct. 27. "Maybe do a long weekend of shows, or just a few shows at a festival. But I have no intention of going on a full-blown tour anymore. I’ve done that my whole life, and it takes so much time and energy."

Parton’s most recent tour was Pure and Simple in 2016. Her twelfth tour, she headlined 60 performances across the United States and Canada and it was marketed as her largest tour ever across North America.

In the Pollstar interview, Parton elaborated that her recent decision stemmed from her concern for her husband of 56 years, Carl Dean .

"I like to stay a little closer to home with my husband ," she said. "We’re getting older now, and I don’t want to be gone for four or five weeks at a time."

Parton revealed one of her fears is that something may happen when she's on the road, so staying close to her home in the Nashville area is paramount for her at this point in her life.

"Something could happen," she said. "I would not feel right about that, if I were gone and somebody needed me. Or I would feel bad if I had to leave a tour if somebody got sick at home and needed me and then I had to walk out on the fans."

When it comes to her fervent fans, Parton thanks technology for keeping her so connected to them without touring, especially since planning full-blown tours takes so much time.

"I don’t ever feel separated from my fans because in this high-tech world, you can be right with them," she said. "You can do special shows in special ways. I will be doing some of that."

"But you’ve got to work for weeks to work up a great new show, a new tour they haven’t seen," she added. "It takes months to actually plan a tour, as far as booking dates and all that. Then you’ve got to be gone for all that time, too. It’s more involved than people have any idea. You really need a year, and certainly six months, to plan a great tour, just preparing to get ready to go hit the road. So you can’t just go out and do a few shows, you really have to commit to doing enough shows to make all that time and effort pay off."

When asked during the interview who she hopes to duet with in the future, she listed a bevy of names: Ed Sheeran , Jimmy Fallon , Chris Stapleton, her goddaughter Miley Cyrus , and the Wilson sisters of the band Heart. Many of the names Parton listed are either scheduled or she's hoping will appear on an upcoming rock-and-roll album she revealed she is working on.

"There’s a lot of people I hadn’t thought that much about until I started putting together this rock album," she said. "I’m going to be thinking seriously about that now."

Next week, Parton is slated to join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at an induction ceremony on Nov. 5, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. In addition to Parton, who initially tried to decline the nomination , this year’s inductees are Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Lionel Richie and Carly Simon.

Parton revealed her special connection with another music legend and history-making Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee , Stevie Nicks , and why women like her have a special place in her heart.

"I’m going to ask her to sing on my rock album , too," Parton said, later adding, "I love her persona. I love her songs. I love her voice, I just love her. As people do!"

"Somebody else I love like that is Lady Gaga ," she continued, also naming Cyrus as another female performer she admires. "(Gaga) is so talented, so gifted, and she knows exactly what she’s doing at all times! I really think she’s an incredible person as well."

"... I love women who know who they are, stand their ground and live up to who they are in their own mind, as well as trying to just stand up for what they believe and trying to be there for the people who are moved and inspired by them."

Alexander Kacala is a reporter and editor at TODAY Digital and NBC OUT. He loves writing about pop culture, trending topics, LGBTQ issues, style and all things drag. His favorite celebrity profiles include Cher — who said their interview was one of the most interesting of her career — as well as Kylie Minogue, Candice Bergen, Patti Smith and RuPaul. He is based in New York City and his favorite film is “Pretty Woman.”

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Dolly Parton says she doesn’t plan to tour again, confirms she's working on a rock 'n' roll album

Dolly Parton's storied career has spanned nearly six decades. Now, at 76, Parton says she thinks her touring days are over, though fans may still get to see the icon live.

In an interview with Pollstar magazine published Thursday, Parton said she plans to do occasional "special shows" but doesn't think she'll tour again.

“Maybe do a long weekend of shows, or just a few shows at a festival," she said. "But I have no intention of going on a full-blown tour anymore. I’ve done that my whole life, and it takes so much time and energy.”

Months of planning goes into creating a tour that fans haven’t seen, she told Pollstar, “So you can’t just go out and do a few shows, you really have to commit to doing enough shows to make all that time and effort pay off.”

Parton’s most recent tour was Pure and Simple in 2016. Her twelfth tour, she headlined 60 performances across the United States and Canada and it  was marketed as her largest tour ever  across North America.

In the Pollstar interview, Parton said the decision stemmed from her concern for  her husband of 56 years, Carl Dean .

“I like to stay a little closer to home with  my husband ,” she said. “We’re getting older now, and I don’t want to be gone for four or five weeks at a time.”

She told the magazine one of her fears is something may happen when she’s on the road, so staying close to her Nashville area home is paramount at this point in her life.

When it comes to her fervent fans, Parton thanks technology for keeping her so connected to them without touring.

“I don’t ever feel separated from my fans because in this high-tech world, you can be right with them,” she said. “You can do special shows in special ways. I will be doing some of that.”

Parton also said she's working on a rock ’n’ roll album and hopes to have some legends of the genre sing with her.

"When I got nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I thought 'Well, no better time to do it,'" she told Pollstar. "My husband is a big hard rock ’n’ roll fan, and for years I thought, “One of these days I’d like to do an album mainly just for him, just to kind of do it.” 

She is slated to join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame  at an induction ceremony Nov. 5 in Los Angeles.

In addition to Parton,  who initially tried to decline the nomination , this year’s inductees are Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Lionel Richie and Carly Simon.

Dolly Parton reveals heartbreaking reason she won’t tour new album

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Dolly Parton has ruled out touring her forthcoming album, saying that these days she prefers to stay closer to home and her husband.

The country music legend, 77, and the infamously reclusive Carl Dean, 80, have been married for almost six decades.

They first met in 1964 on Parton’s first day in Nashville when she was just 18 years-old, and two years later they were engaged.

Parton had originally been due to come to the UK earlier this month but postponed the trip due to Dean suffering an undisclosed health issue.

Adressing this at a rescheduled press conference in London on Thursday, she assured that he is “fine now” but that she’s mindful of both his age and hers when venturing too far from their Tennessee abode.

“The reason I don’t tour now is because I don’t want to be that far away from home,” she explained. “You know, we’re getting older my husband and I, and I’ve got a lot of business that I do at home and the movies that I do now we’re doing out of Atlanta, so we’re close to home.

“I had to cancel [this visit to the UK] once and make it towards the end of the month because my husband was sick at the time. He’s fine now, but you do plan. You make that out of wise choices and I do not plan to tour this album.”

Her spouse was also at the forefront of her mind when making her latest record.

Dean is a die-hard rock fan and, despite being married to the Jolene hitmaker all this time, “can’t stand” country music.

Parton’s debut rock collection Rockstar, which is due for release on November 17, and features a Wrecking Ball cover duet with her goddaughter Miley Cyrus , therefore serves as a love letter to him.

“We’ve been together 59 years and all my life in the car, in the truck, on the tractor, in the house, he’s always blasting rock and roll music and he loves Led Zeppelin and he loves Stairway To Heaven,” she said.

“Years ago, I was doing different covers of rock songs and kind of making them a little bit my own – a little bit country, a little bit bluegrass or whatever. When I said to him that I was gonna do Stairway To Heaven he said ‘Oh, don’t do that, that’s a classic. That’s a big mistake’. He never liked that cover – he called it ‘Stairwell to Hell’!

“But when I played him this whole album which I chose songs that he loved and some of my favourites to make this album, I made him sit down and listen to the whole thing.

“You know, he’s kind of a quiet person and he didn’t say anything. I said there’s 30 songs and he said ‘Well, we’ll take an intermission’. So he did, but at the end he said, ‘It’s really good’, just like that.

“To me, that was like somebody else jumping up and down saying that’s the best thing they’d ever heard. Well, anyway, he was proud of it so that made me feel good.

“I want to please him, to be honest with you – more than anybody else,” she concluded sweetly.

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Here's Why Dolly Parton Won't Tour Again

Dolly parton's career has spanned 56 years, won her 11 grammy awards and amassed millions of fans. now, the country music legend is hanging up her coat of many colors and not planning to tour again, by amy lamare • published october 28, 2022 • updated on october 31, 2022 at 10:56 am.

Dolly Parton 's rockin' years on the road are over.

The 76-year-old county music legend's career has spanned almost six decades. Now, she's revealing her future tour plans — or lack thereof. 

"I do not think I will ever tour again, but I do know I'll do special shows here and there, now and then," the "Jolene" singer told  Pollstar Magazine  on Oct. 27. "Maybe do a long weekend of shows, or just a few shows at a festival. But I have no intention of going on a full-blown tour anymore. I've done that my whole life, and it takes so much time and energy."

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And she has a good reason for wanting to spend more time at home — her husband of 56 years , Carl Dean . 

"I like to stay a little closer to home with my husband," she said. "We're getting older now, and I don't want to be gone for four or five weeks at a time. Something could happen. I would not feel right about that, if I were gone and somebody needed me."

She added, "I would feel bad if I had to leave a tour if somebody got sick at home and needed me and then I had to walk out on the fans."

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Before the next teardrop falls, fans should know that she doesn't intend to stop making music. The " I Will Always Love You" singer  also told Pollstar that being nominated for the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame inspired her, and she found herself wondering if she should put out a rock album. 

"Why not just go ahead and do it while the iron's hot," she said. "Maybe have some of the greats, the legends of rock ‘n' roll sing along with me."

And when Parton says legends, she means it. She hopes to re-record her bluegrass  "Stairway to Heaven" cover  with two of the men who sang the song originally—Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin.

Parton has plans to collaborate with more artists too, including her goddaughter  Miley Cyrus , as well as  Ed Sheeran  and  Jimmy Fallon , saying  "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"  host "is a really good singer" even though "he doesn't think so." 

Before Parton retreats to her Tennessee mountain home, she'll be in Los Angeles to be inducted into the  Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame  on Nov. 5.

She also has an  NBC Christmas special , "Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas" featuring Miley Cyrus, Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson and Billy Ray Cyrus.  

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When is Dolly Parton at Dollywood? Here are your best chances to see the Queen of Country

A day riding the rides, enjoying the shows and eating the delicious food at Dollywood is truly a fun time . But seeing the Queen of Country in person turns an adventure-filled theme park visit into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

“You never know where Dolly might appear when she is here and that is what makes it more exciting when you experience a ‘Dolly sighting,’” Public Relations Director Wes Ramey told Knox News.

Dolly delights guests at Dollywood multiple times every year, but there’s never a set schedule, so timing is everything. Here’s a guide to when you might catch Dolly at Dollywood.

The first day of the Dollywood season

Dollywood is not yet a year-round park . It typically opens in March each year to start an exciting new season. And there to help kick things off is the park's Dreamer-in-Chief. Dolly usually leads the opening ceremonies for the season during a special day for season passholders.

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"I just can't believe that this is our 39th season ... I looked out at the parking lot when I came in and I thought, oh my Lord, look at all those cars, all those people. But I'm so proud for every bit of it," Parton said during the 2024 season opening.

Opening of new attractions

Dollywood continues to evolve with updated and new attractions. When a major new project is unveiled or opened, it’s likely Dolly will be the first to welcome guests. She just won’t be the first to ride a new roller coaster.

“If I get on that thing, you’ll find one of my wigs in the top of a tree or the top of Clingmans Dome or something, ” she joked about riding the park's newest coaster, Big Bear Mountain.

In recent years, Dolly made appearances at the park for the openings of the Dolly Parton Experience museum about her life and career (May 2024) and Big Bear Mountain (May 2023). So, it’s worth planning a trip to Dollywood right when any new attractions debut.

Filming a project

The queen of entertainment has a perfect filming location whenever she’s ready to star in a new movie or show. What’s even better is that you could not only spot Dolly at Dollywood, but a few other celebrities, too. It wasn’t too long ago that Jimmy Fallon and Willie Nelson were spotted in Dollywood with Dolly for a movie.

Movies that have filmed at Dollywood include “Christmas at Dollywood,” “Mountain Magic Christmas,” and “A Country Christmas Story.”

Stays at a Dollywood resort

If you book a stay at the Dollywood resorts DreamMore Resort or HeartSong Lodge , you just might run into Dolly. She’s sometimes at the resorts for business and, of course, she has to check in on the special Dolly Parton suites available at the resorts.

The DeWitt Parade

You might have a chance to get within a few feet of the queen or even shake her hand during the DeWitt Parade Tour. When she’s at Dollywood, Dolly will ride in a parade through the park before the end of the day. Everyone gathers around full of excitement with big smiles as she passes by. You might even see a few tears.

Keep in mind, the parade is dependent on the weather. It can sometimes be canceled with late notice, even if Dolly is at the park and ready to ride.

A Dolly surprise!

The exciting thing about Dollywood is that you never know when Dolly will pop up. Sometimes she celebrates the opening of the seasonal and themed festivals at the park, especially if it’s a new or revamped festival.

And music and entertainment are always happening at Dollywood, so sometimes she’s there to cheer on other performers and will greet the crowd.

Though it might be hard to keep up because she’s the hardest working woman in Dollywood (and Hollywood), you should stay up to date with what’s new with Dolly. She just might be at Dollywood to announce or promote new projects.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email  [email protected] . On X, formerly known as Twitter  @dturner1208 .  

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at  knoxnews.com/subscribe .

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Latest stories, the real reason dolly parton says she’ll never tour again, don't worry, the country legend still has more in store for her fans..

Dolly Parton's days of hopping on the tour bus are over. In a new interview, Parton revealed that she is done with touring for good. But, fans shouldn't be too bereft over her announcement. While the 76-year-old singer won't be going on a full tour ever again, she will still perform shows here and there when the time is right.

As for why Parton will not be touring in the future, she has a good reason that has to do with her personal life. Read on to see what the iconic songwriter had to say.

READ THIS NEXT:  Dolly Parton Just Posted a Rare Photo With Long-Time Husband Carl Dean .

Parton's last tour was in 2016.

The last time Parton went on tour was six years ago. The Pure & Simple Tour promoted her album of the same name. The singer played in 60 cities across the U.S. and Canada from June to December of 2016. According to her website, this was her largest tour of North America in over 25 years.

Prior to the Pure & Simple Tour, Parton had gone on a world tour in 2014.

She explained why she's hanging up her touring shoes.

In an Oct. 27 interview with Pollstar, Parton shared , "I do not think I will ever tour again, but I do know I’ll do special shows here and there, now and then. Maybe do a long weekend of shows, or just a few shows at a festival. But I have no intention of going on a full-blown tour anymore."

She explained that the reason has to do with herself and her husband of 56 years, Carl Dean, getting older.

"I’ve done that my whole life, and it takes so much time and energy," she continued. "I like to stay a little closer to home with my husband. We’re getting older now, and I don’t want to be gone for four or five weeks at a time. Something could happen. I would not feel right about that, if I were gone and somebody needed me. Or I would feel bad if I had to leave a tour if somebody got sick at home and needed me and then I had to walk out on the fans."

Touring also takes up too much of her time.

Parton also talked about how much work and time goes into planning a tour as a reason to put that aspect of career behind her.

"It takes months to actually plan a tour, as far as booking dates and all that," Parton said. "Then you’ve got to be gone for all that time, too. It’s more involved than people have any idea. You really need a year, and certainly six months, to plan a great tour, just preparing to get ready to go hit the road. So you can’t just go out and do a few shows, you really have to commit to doing enough shows to make all that time and effort pay off."

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She warned fans two years ago that she'd be slowing down.

In December 2020, Parton spoke to T Magazine about wanting to take more time off in the upcoming year.

"I’m sick of Dolly, ain’t you?” she said ( via The Independent ). "With all the stuff coming out, it’s like, if I hear one more product, one more story, one more thing about Dolly Parton… I think, ‘Well, maybe I better hang it up for a while next year.'"

At the time, she said that she would still release music, even if she ever stopped touring. "[I can] do my a cappella album: From the Bedside With Dolly ! Dolly’s Deathbed Songs !" she joked. "That paints a picture, don’t it?"

She's still working hard, however.

In her Pollstar interview, Parton again explained that she'll still be working, even though she's retired from touring. In addition to looking out for special shows to play, she is working on an upcoming rock and roll album and a new TV Christmas special. She's also starring in a movie, Run, Rose, Run , based on the novel she published earlier this year with James Patterson .

"We’re doing a movie with that, working with Reese Witherspoon , her company’s producing it. I am going to be doing that," Parton said. "But if I find good roles, I’d like to still be in good movies here and there, now and then."

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Dolly Parton musical Here You Come Again goes on tour: Dates, venues and tickets revealed

13 March 2024, 10:28

Here You Come Again – The Dolly Parton Musical trailer

By Mayer Nissim

Dolly Parton's musical comedy is packed with hits from across her career.

Listen to this article

As well as being a queen of the airwaves and silver screen, Dolly Parton has already conquered the world of musical theatre.

The adaptation of her classic 1980 movie 9 to 5 stormed Broadway over a decade ago before winning over the West End, but we've long wanted a musical that takes in all of Dolly's very biggest songs.

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Well, our wishes have very much been answered with the launch of Here You Come Again – The Dolly Parton Musical , a joyous new musical comedy that's soundtracked by classic tracks from across Dolly's career.

And you won't have to go to Broadway or even the West End to catch it, with the production going on tour across the UK from May to December 2024.

Tickets for the tour are on sale now and are available from the show's official website.

"Packed with the iconic songs 'Jolene ', '9 to 5' , 'Islands in the Stream', 'I Will Always Love You' , 'Here You Come Again' and more, this lively and touching new musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose fantasy version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times," reads the blurb.

"With her wit, humour and charm, Dolly teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps…even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones!

"This is one musical that is sure to make you smile."

Dolly Parton interview: Making 'Let It Be' with Paul McCartney and 'Wrecking Ball' with Miley Cyrus

The full 2024 UK tour dates for Here You Come Again – The Dolly Parton Musical are as follows:

• Saturday 11 May - Saturday 8 June – Leeds Playhouse, Leeds
• Tuesday 11 June - Saturday 15 June – Curve Theatre, Leicester
• Tuesday 18 June - Saturday 22 June – Theatre Royal, Newcastle
• Tuesday 24 June - Saturday 29 June – Arts Theatre, Cambridge
• Tuesday 2 July - Saturday 6 July – The Marlowe, Canterbury
• Tuesday 9 July - Saturday 13 July – Theatre Royal and Concert Hall, Nottimgham
• Tuesday 16 July - Saturday 20 July – Malvern Theatres, Great Malvern
• Tuesday 23 July - Saturday 27 July – Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh
• Tuesday 30 July - Saturday 3 August – His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
• Tuesday 20 August - Saturday 24 August – Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
• Tuesday 27 August - Saturday 31 August – Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
• Tuesday 3 August - Saturday 7 September – Brighton Theatre Royal, Brighton
• Tuesday 10 September - Saturday 14 September – The Alexandra, Birmingham
• Tuesday 17 September - Saturday 21 September – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
• Tuesday 24 September - Saturday 28 September – Richmond Theatre, London
• Tuesday 1 October - Saturday 5 October – Kings Theatre, Glasgow
• Tuesday 8 October - Saturday 12 October – Norwich Theatre, Norwich
• Tuesday 15 October - Saturday 19 October – Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
• Tuesday 22 October - Saturday 26 October – New Victoria Theatre, Woking
• Tuesday 29 October - Saturday 2 November – The Lowry, Salford
• Tuesday 5 November- Saturday 9 November – Theatre Royal, Bath
• Tuesday 19 November - Saturday 23 November – Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes
• Tuesday 26 November - Saturday 30 November – Grand Theatre, Blackpool
• Tuesday 3 November - Saturday 7 December – Liverpool Empire, Liverpool

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Dolly Parton in Tears: Returns to Dollywood Theme Park After Sudden Closure

in Entertainment , Theme Parks

Dolly Parton recently arrived at her theme park, Dollywood, with tears streaming down her face.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood enchants visitors with a unique blend of exhilarating rides, captivating shows, down-home Southern charm, and the unmistakable spirit of its founder, Dolly Parton.

Dollywood’s story is a testament to Dolly Parton’s unwavering belief in her Tennessee roots. In the 1980s, she envisioned a park that celebrated the rich heritage and traditions of the Smoky Mountains. Dollywood (originally called Silver Dollar City) opened its doors in 1986, and over the years, it has grown into a premier theme park destination, consistently ranking among the best in the world.

A recent study by a UK-based company even ranked Dollywood as the number one attraction that people want to return to globally, surpassing iconic destinations like Disneyland in California and Stone Mountain Park in Georgia. The theme park received a score of 94 out of 100, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit location.

See the top 10 must-return landmarks globally below:

• Dollywood- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (94)
• Disneyland- Anaheim, California (87)
• Stone Mountain Park- Stone Mountain, Georgia (81)
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour- London (78)
• Blenheim Palace- Oxfordshire, UK and Grand -Canyon National Park- Arizona (74)
• Crazy Horse Memorial- Crazy Horse, South Dakota and Hampton Court Palace- London (71)
• Tokyo Disneyland- Tokyo, Yosemite National Park California, Universal Studios Florida Orlando, Florida and Busch Gardens Tampa- Tampa, Florida (70)

Dollywood caters to adventurers of all ages. Adrenaline seekers can conquer the heart-pounding Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest original wooden coaster (before converting to steel), or plummet down the daring Wild Eagle, a thrilling wing coaster. Families with younger children can embark on a whimsical journey through the Wildwood Grove or take a scenic ride on the Dollywood Express steam train.

The park also offers a dedicated water park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, providing a refreshing escape on hot summer days.

Much like its owner, Dollywood’s commitment to entertainment extends beyond its rides. The park stages a remarkable variety of live shows throughout the day, showcasing everything from bluegrass music and theatrical productions to acrobatic feats and gospel choirs.

Dollywood offers a variety of on-site hotels and resorts, allowing guests to extend their Smoky Mountain adventure. From the luxurious Dollywood DreamMore Resort and Spa to the cozy Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, each accommodation option provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the park.

Recently, the theme park shut down early due to thunderstorms in the area. Luckily, Dollywood does have a “rain check” policy, however, it is not heavily advertised, and must be obtained day-of the rain incident.

Recently, Dollywood unveiled the highly anticipated Dolly Parton Experience, a new addition that promises an immersive journey into the iconic singer’s life and career. The experience, which opened on May 24, 2024, comprises multiple buildings that serve as a museum celebrating Parton’s illustrious career. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing her distinctive fashion choices and wigs, and pay homage to her family roots.

Related: Dolly Parton Emotionally Wrecked: Country Star Breaks Down, Shares Career-Ending News

Located in the former Adventures in Imagination area, this expansive interactive museum project is three times the size of its predecessor, the Chasing Rainbows Museum. The Dolly Parton Experience promises to immerse guests in interactive elements that recreate Dolly’s journey from Locust Ridge to stages worldwide. Spanning multiple buildings, the experience covers her iconic career, the inspiration behind her biggest dreams, the significance of family, and a curated exhibit showcasing her evolving style.

The entire Adventures in Imagination area has been transformed to accommodate the new Dolly Parton Experience. Within this reimagined themed area, visitors will encounter three unique experiences—Songteller, Behind The Seams, and Precious Memories—each meticulously designed to present Dolly’s story in a fresh light. Additionally, a new merchandise location and Dolly’s mobile home will be available in a new location.

Dolly Parton, although retired, came to Dollywood for the opening of the Dolly Parton Experience. “When Dolly Parton finally took a tour through the completed Dolly Parton Experience, the new Dollywood museum dedicated to her career and personal life, the famously upbeat country star wept,” according to Knox News. 

“They started showing all the footage, especially when my mom and dad and my family started talking, I just broke down,” she said at the attraction’s opening May 24. “So, hopefully, you will be moved by it. There’s a lot of great stories and things about the family.”

Considering the hardship Parton is currently undergoing within her own family , it is not too shocking to hear that this trip down memory lane was an emotional one. Parton met her husband, Carl Dean, on the first day she moved to Nashville in 1964, and has been with him ever since. Sadly, Dean is suffering from a battle against Alzheimer’s, which is why Parton recently stated that she would be moving out of the spotlight and taking more time for family.

According to a source , “Dolly has long been a fixture on the touring circuit, but as her husband’s health takes precedence, she has chosen to take a step back from the stage to focus on what matters most – family. She wants to make sure they enjoy every last minute they have together.”

That being said, the “9 to 5” and “Jolene” singer has found a new, innovative way to tour.

Country music icon Dolly Parton has defied expectations with the announcement of a new project, “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony.” This news comes after Parton’s 2022 retirement from traditional touring, marking a significant shift in her legendary career.

Parton’s last full tour, the Pure & Simple Tour, took place in 2016 .

However, her dedication to music remains unwavering. Fans were treated to a surprise last year with the release of her debut rock album, “Rockstar,” featuring collaborations with rock royalty like members of The Beatles and her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus.

“Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony” offers a unique twist on the traditional concert experience. Described as a “multimedia symphonic storytelling experience,” the tour will showcase Parton’s music reimagined with orchestral arrangements and captivating visuals.

Launching in March 2025 with the Nashville Symphony, this innovative format allows Parton to continue sharing her music with fans worldwide while prioritizing her well-being and avoiding the demands of extensive touring. Audiences will enjoy Parton’s presence virtually through a screen at each venue, ensuring a captivating and accessible experience.

With her new exhibit, upcoming “tour”, and her new Krispy Kreme donut launch , it looks like Dolly Parton is far from retiring. 

Would you like to visit Dollywood? 

2024 TOUR DATES

Nov 17, 2023 | Uncategorised

2024 TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

The Dolly Show tour dates are now on sale.

Check out all theatres dates on the SHOW DATES

Celebrate the life, the music and the star that is Dolly Parton. 

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• Included With Your Cabin Stay

Dolly Parton's Stampede

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See Dolly's Story Like Never Before

• Theme Park /
• Special Experiences /
• Dollywood Special Experiences | VIP Tours

See Dolly's Story Like Never Before

Tours Available June 10, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025

Enjoy a 1-Hour walking group guided tour of The Dolly Parton Experience complete with a collectible lanyard, front-of-line access inside the experience, reserved seating for Heidi Parton's Kin and Friends Show (or alternate when not showing), plus an exclusive tour gift!

Gold and Diamond Season Passholders save $5 and $10 off, respectively, on this tour! (Must be signed in for discount to show.)

So, What All Is Included With This Tour?

• 1 hour walking guided tour of the Dolly Parton Experience
• Collectible lanyard
• Front-of-line access to experiences
• Reserved show seating for a performance in DreamSong
• Exclusive tour gift

Dolly Parton Experience Tour

Participate in an enhanced visit to the Dolly Parton Experience with a guided tour featuring front-of-line access, reserved seating, plus an exclusive tour gift.

*Minimum of 2 guests. Tour price does not include admission to Dollywood. Admission must be purchased separately. Tours Available Select Days 6/10/2024 - 1/5/2025

Important Information

• Dolly Parton Experience Tours are offered daily, June 10, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025
• Day of tour sales will end at 1:30 p.m., future dates will still be sold
• After purchase, you will need to check in at TimeSaver & Special Experiences Reservation Center 1 hour prior to tour start time
• At check-in you will receive lanyard and meeting instructions
• Tours will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. daily while available
• Tour highlights and offerings listed above are subject to change
• You can receive a full reservation refund if you cancel your visit by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to your arrival by calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD. Cancellations made after 5:00 p.m. the day before your arrival are not subject to a refund.

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