Dolly Parton holds multiple crowns, but the one for the Queen of Theme Parks must be the heaviest.
Forty years since opening in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood continues to be a favorite among guests and amusement park industry leaders. The park even set an attendance record during its 2025 season with about 4 million guests.
In 2024, Dollywood was named the No. 1 theme park in the country by the National Amusement Park Historical Association and Tripadvisor, and it adds more accolades to its trophy case every year.
Dollywood is more than just a theme park with fun rides and delicious cinnamon bread. Its economic impact extends statewide by generating $1.8 billion for the Volunteer State, according to a 2021 Tennessee Department of Transportation study. It’s credited with creating more than 23,000 jobs in the region and is Sevier County’s largest employer.
But just because Dollywood is themed after her, does Parton really own the attraction that’s such a vital part of East Tennessee?
Does Dolly Parton own Dollywood?
By the 1980s, Parton was a superstar. She was a prolific singer-songwriter known for such hits as “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “Islands in the Stream,” and was a budding movie star. To honor and develop the place where she grew up, she first revealed her desire to build a theme park near the Great Smoky Mountains in 1982.
Jack and Pete Herschend, the brothers behind Silver Dollar City amusement park in Missouri, were already in the process of expanding their existing theme park in Pigeon Forge. Rather than having competing parks, the brothers approached Parton to join the venture.
Dollywood opened in 1986 following a rebranding that embraced Parton’s persona and popularity. Attendance increased about 75% to 1.3 million in the park’s first year compared to its last season as Silver Dollar City.
Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment remain co-owners of Dollywood. Parton owns 50% and the Herschends own the other 50%.
Parton’s stake in the Dollywood theme park alone is worth about $165 million, with additional value tied to Dollywood’s water park and resorts, Business Insider estimates.
Parton told Knox News in 2024 that she has always wanted to close the park down for one day and throw a big party with friends and family.
When asked why she hasn’t thrown that big party, yet: “I can’t afford it,” she humorously quipped without missing a beat.
How much is Dolly Parton worth?
Some reports estimate Parton’s net worth as high as $650 million. However, Forbes has consistently listed it at $450 million.
Forbes ranks her No. 78 on the “America’s richest self-made women” (2025) list and No. 96 on its “power women” (2022) list.
“The bulk of Dolly Parton’s fortune comes from her stake in the theme park Dollywood,” Forbes notes. Over $120 million comes from her iconic music catalog. And then she has her other business ventures that include baking goods, cookware, makeup, dinner theaters and more.
Parton doesn’t hoard her wealth, though. The philanthropist often supports meaningful causes through the Dollywood Foundation and its monthly free book program, Imagination Library.
She has donated millions for natural disaster relief and medical research, including $1 million after Hurricane Helene in 2024 and $1 million for research that helped to create a COVID-19 vaccine during the 2020 pandemic.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
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