When Dolly Parton walks out on to a stage she captivates the room in a way few people can.  Her mountain charm , wit and that unforgettable voice are always welcome at the theme park bearing her name.  On Friday, November 3rd,  Dolly made an appearance at Dollywood’s Showstreet Palace, bringing with her big news about 2018.

After talking a little about all that’s happened in 2017, (a new children’s album,  the work of the Dollywood Foundation helping wildfire victims, and the amazing success of Pumpkin Luminights) she introduced a video outlining plans for 2018.  It will be the “Season of Showstoppers” with an unprecedented investment in entertainment at the park.

It all starts with the Festival of Nations, a trip around the world across the stages of Dollywood.  This year, the National Dance Company of Siberia, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Flamenco Kings headline this popular event.

Soon afterward,  a wide array of musical acts will keep visitors entertained.  People like Pam Tillis, Suzy Boggus, Amy Grant and the Blind Boys of Alabama performa as part of the new “Spring Mix.”  According to Dollywood officials, the expanded entertainment schedule is a million dollars greater than any season in the park’s history.   iLuminate (finalists in America’s Got Talent) and Drumline LIVE will also have short runs at the park in 2018.

BBQ & Bluegrass, Rock the Smokies (featuring Toby Mac and Crowder in 2018), the Harvest Festival and a Smoky Mountain Christmas will all return with the Pumpkin Luminights attraction in the fall expanding to more parts of the park.

Once the video presentation was over, Dolly returned to the stage to talk about a new entertainment venue where much of the magic will happen.   A new plaza in the Timber Canyon section of the park (where River Battle had been), will not only have a stage and plenty of seating, the area will be decorated to the hilt for the different seasons.

Dolly didn’t leave Friday’s event without raising her voice in song.  Joining her on stage was her younger brother Randy and his daughter Heidi (who just released a new album) along with a few other family members and cast members of the new Christmas show “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  Together they performed “Circle of Love” from last year’s Christmas of Many Colors television movie.  

Even though there’s a lot to look forward to in 2018, there are still two months of Christmas fun and celebration awaiting visitors to the park.  A Smoky Mountain Christmas kicked off on Saturday, November 4th and runs through January 1st.