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Dolly Parton holds multiple crowns, but the one for the Queen of Theme Parks must be the heaviest.<\/p>\n Forty years since opening in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood continues to be a favorite among guests<\/a> and amusement park industry leaders. The park even set an attendance record<\/a> during its 2025 season with about 4 million guests.<\/p>\n In 2024, Dollywood was named the No. 1 theme park in the country<\/a> by the National Amusement Park Historical Association and Tripadvisor, and it adds more accolades to its trophy case every year.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. It\u2019s credited with creating more than 23,000 jobs in the region and is Sevier County\u2019s largest employer.<\/p>\n But just because Dollywood is themed after her, does Parton really own the attraction that’s such a vital part of East Tennessee?<\/p>\n By the 1980s, Parton was a superstar. She was a prolific singer-songwriter<\/a> known for such hits as \u201cJolene,\u201d \u201c9 to 5\u201d and \u201cIslands 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. Rather than having competing parks, the brothers approached Parton to join the venture.<\/p>\n Dollywood opened in 1986 following a rebranding that embraced Parton\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment remain co-owners of Dollywood. Parton owns 50% and the Herschends own the other 50%.<\/p>\n Parton\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Parton told Knox News in 2024<\/a> that she has always wanted to close the park down for one day and throw a big party with friends and family.<\/p>\n When asked why she hasn\u2019t thrown that big party, yet: \u201cI can’t afford it,\u201d she humorously quipped without missing a beat.<\/p>\n Some reports estimate Parton\u2019s net worth as high as $650 million. However, Forbes has consistently listed it at $450 million<\/a>.<\/p>\n Forbes ranks her No. 78 on the “America\u2019s richest self-made women<\/a>” (2025) list and No. 96 on its \u201cpower women\u201d (2022) list.<\/p>\n \u201cThe bulk of Dolly Parton’s fortune comes from her stake in the theme park Dollywood,\u201d Forbes notes. Over $120 million comes from her iconic music catalog. And then she has her other business ventures<\/a> that include baking goods, cookware, makeup, dinner theaters and more.<\/p>\n Parton doesn\u2019t hoard her wealth, though. The philanthropist often supports meaningful causes through the Dollywood Foundation and its monthly free book program, Imagination Library<\/a>.<\/p>\n She has donated millions for natural disaster relief and medical research, including $1 million after Hurricane Helene<\/a> in 2024 and $1 million for research that helped to create a COVID-19 vaccine<\/a> during the 2020 pandemic.<\/p>\n Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email\u00a0devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nDoes Dolly Parton own Dollywood?<\/h2>\n
How much is Dolly Parton worth?<\/h2>\n