Dolly Parton is currently on the schedule for Dollywood's opening-day festivities in Pigeon Forge on Friday, March 13, 2026, according to park organizers. Opening day typically brings a welcome event in the Celebrity Theater, musical performances, and a parade winding through the park. Fans should remember, though, that while the media advisory includes Parton by name, her recent health-related cancellations mean plans could change with little notice.
That appearance info comes from a Dollywood media advisory reported by the Knoxville News Sentinel, which says the park has listed Parton for opening-day appearances. The advisory does not include a minute-by-minute itinerary for her, and park officials traditionally keep exact times under wraps for security and crowd-control reasons.
When The Park Opens And What Is New
Dollywood is set to open for its 41st season on Friday, March 13, 2026, kicking off the I Will Always Love You Music Festival along with a full slate of spring events. The park is also debuting NightFlight Expedition, described as a first-of-its-kind indoor hybrid coaster-and-raft experience, later in the spring, with season-pass preview days on the calendar. These details are outlined by Dollywood.
Why Dolly's Appearance Is Not A Sure Thing
Parton has scaled back some public engagements while dealing with health issues and postponed a planned Las Vegas residency. She also missed a September ride announcement after doctors treated a kidney stone that led to an infection. As reported by the AP, her doctors advised that she avoid travel while recovering, so fans should go in expecting that any in-person plans could still shift. Even when Parton does visit the park, Dollywood usually keeps specific details about where and when she will appear very limited.
How To Plan If You Want To Go
One-day tickets are currently listed at about $94.99 for adults and roughly $85 for children and seniors, according to Dollywood. Opening-day activities, including the welcome show and the parade where Parton has appeared in previous seasons, typically draw heavy crowds, and the Knoxville News Sentinel notes that the park does not release a full public itinerary for celebrity appearances.
Bottom line: the park's media advisory lists Dolly Parton as scheduled to participate in opening-day activities on March 13, but that should be treated as subject to change. Fans who want to see her should keep a close eye on official Dollywood channels for last-minute updates, and if Parton's plans shift, the park and local outlets are expected to post new information as it becomes available.
