Dolly Parton Once Tried To Open A Water & Snow Theme Park
Nashville, Tennessee — Dolly Parton leaves behind a remarkable legacy, sharing the mountain lifestyle with many who had never experienced it before.
Yesterday, Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80. She has a long list of accomplishments: a legendary country singer, actress, philanthropist, and creator of one of the country’s most impressive theme parks: Dollywood. It’s that theme park venture where Dolly’s world nearly meshed with spheres of winter recreation.
In January 2012, the Dollywood Company reached an agreement with Gaylord Entertainment to create a new entertainment district. The first phase of the development included a water and snow park, which developers claimed would be the first of its kind. This meant that there would be water attractions in the summer, and snow play activities in the winter.
What snow attractions there would be, and whether they would be year-round offerings, are unclear. Based on my interpretation, skiing seemed unlikely. I’d say snow attractions like sledding, snow tubing, and a snow play area were more likely. The goal was to open the park in 2014.
“I’m so excited about this opportunity,” said Parton back in 2012. “I am confident that partnering my Dollywood Company with a great company like Gaylord will create something truly special. We’re all working on new types of entertainment to do in the daytime and nighttime for the whole family so we bring new folks to the area year round.”
However, it wouldn’t come to be.
Why It Was Canceled
Just eight months later, the project was effectively canceled. This was caused by Gaylord Entertainment’s sale to Marriott International. Dolly intended this project to be a partnership between two historic Tennessee brands. With that off the table, the project was canceled. Either that, or she believed the world was gonna end in December 2012.
Today, apartments stand on part of the site where it would’ve been built. The rest of it remains undeveloped.
Despite the cancellation, Dolly Parton’s legacy lives on throughout Tennessee, especially in Pigeon Forge. Dollywood has brought many to the Great Smoky Mountains, allowing many to experience one of the most scenic areas in the country. Her legacy will live on throughout Tennessee and America.
Image/Video Credits: Dollywood Parks & Resorts
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