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Dolly Parton appeared at Dollywood Friday, Mar. 26, 2010 to celebrate the park's 25th anniversary. She began the day with private interviews and then multiple availabilities open to media and selected season ticket holders and guest.
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PIGEON FORGE — Dolly Parton won't be intimidated.
Over the 25 seasons Dollywood has been open for business, Parton says she's learned the art of self-confidence and collaboration when she enters a boardroom to face executives who may know more than she about the theme park business.
'I love walking into (a boardroom) with a bunch of men. I think, ‘Oh, this is cool. They don't scare me because I've got bigger dreams that they do,' the country superstar said with a giggle in an interview Friday morning.
'The fact that I'm allowed to get in there with them and dream with the best of them – and that they respect and appreciate me – means a lot. I learn from every great person I meet. I try to see what makes (that executive) so successful and learn from that.'
That approach has certainly helped Dollywood, her theme park that opens for its 25th season today. Dollywood is Tennessee's No. 1 paid attraction, the second biggest attraction in Sevier County next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Annually, Dollywood draws around 2.3 million guests.
Along with Dollywood off-shoot businesses Dixie Stampede and Dollywood's Splash Country, Parton's Sevier County entertainment ventures have drawn around 40 million guests over the past 25 years.
This season, Dollywood is opening its new Adventure Mountain attraction, which features games and activities for children and adults. Among the elements: Rocky Top Trail, requiring visitors to cross a thin aerial rope bridge on the way to the Mountain's summit. Adventure Mountain has four sections for activities, one of which has guests hovering 36 feet.
Grand opening will also showcase the Festival of Nations, with international crafts, food, music and aerial stage shows.
Throughout her years as co-owner of Dollywood (with the Herschend Family of Branson, Mo.), Parton has also learned the art of listening and embracing other ideas. 'I have learned to really, truly appreciate people and let them work at what they are good at,' she said. 'That (kind of attitude) spills over into your other business, too.
'I've always gotten along with people, but I've learned to appreciate people more, love more and see more in others.'
Up until Dollywood was born, Parton often found herself in a room of people waiting to hear her ideas and wanting her to say what needed to be done. 'So often in my life, I've been the go-to person or the person who took people along with me,' Parton said. 'They may have had good intentions, but they didn't always know (the business). I'm blessed to be surrounded by smart people.
'I learn every day when to say (my opinion) and when not to say it. I've noticed people who are clever do that.'
Parton couldn't pick out her favorite grand opening moment over the years. However, she is fond of the first opening day, when she popped out of a cake, evoking somewhat the image of Marilyn Monroe. The fanfare was nothing like Sevier County had ever seen before. The theme park was covered in glitter, bright colors and butterflies – Parton's trademark.
Parton said reaching the 25-season mark is a great source of pride for her. The success and longevity of Dollywood have shown Parton a few things.
'It just shows me dreams do come true,' she said. 'It shows me that I've been so blessed, and this is one of my biggest dreams.'
Entertainment writer Terry Morrow may be reached at 865-342-6445.
© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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