Dollywood Announces Major Park Expansion Plans Through 2036
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is moving forward with significant park expansion plans, including five new resorts and a guitar sculpture, as outlined by co-founder Dolly Parton before her passing, supported by a half-billion-dollar investment strategy extending to 2036.

Atlanta, GA, September 2, 2026 — Dollywood, the popular theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is set to undergo a substantial expansion, aiming to introduce significant new attractions and facilities over the next decade and a half. The ambitious plans include the development of five new resorts and the installation of a distinctive guitar sculpture.
These expansion initiatives were originally outlined by the park’s co-founder, Dolly Parton, prior to her passing. The vision is being brought to fruition through a comprehensive investment strategy valued at half a billion dollars. This financial commitment is slated to support the park’s growth and development through the year 2036.
While specific details regarding the timeline for each phase of the resort construction or the exact design and placement of the guitar sculpture have not been fully disclosed, the overarching strategy indicates a long-term commitment to enhancing the Dollywood experience for visitors. The introduction of multiple new resorts suggests a focus on increasing lodging capacity and providing a more immersive destination experience.
The investment signals a strong confidence in the future growth of the park and the tourism sector in the Pigeon Forge area. The project’s multi-year scope, extending to 2036, indicates a phased approach to development, allowing for sustained evolution and adaptation of the park’s offerings. Further information regarding project milestones and specific attractions is expected to be released as development progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by Ansley Graves, Jordan Gartner on www.atlantanewsfirst.com, see more information here.