Dollywood to Commemorate 50 Years of “I Will Always Love You” With Concert Series
My, oh, my! How the time has flown! Fifty years ago, Sevierville native Dolly Parton wrote her hit song “I Will Always Love You”! This now-classic song would later be covered by many popular musicians, including Whitney Houston, who showed their appreciation for the song by throwing their own twist on it! In honor of “I Will Always Love You” reaching its golden anniversary, Dollywood is celebrating the only way it knows how: with more live music!
About the I Will Always Love You Celebration
The popular Pigeon Forge theme park will host a new “I Will Always Love You Celebration” to spotlight the impact of the art of songwriting from March 11 through April 8! Performances featuring several award-winning artists are scheduled for each Saturday at Dollywood as part of the park’s Celebrity Concert Series!
Natalie Grant, Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Jo Dee Messina, Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers and Lauren Alaina will take the stage at Dollywood and wow guests with their incredible ability and songwriting prowess! In addition, you’ll get to hear from popular songwriters including Dana Black, Billy Montana and Steve Dean.
If these names of songwriters sound familiar, it’s because they are! Black is the songwriter who wrote George Strait’s popular hits “Check Yes or No” and “Write This Down”! Montana was a co-writer for Sara Evans’ song “Suds in the Bucket” while Dean co-wrote Reba McEntire’s “Walk On”!
This Dollywood celebration will include unique food, special decor and commemorative merchandise as the park transforms into a world where songwriting reigns supreme! This Celebrity Concert Series doesn’t cost an extra dime, as it’s included with admission into Dollywood.
Concert Dates
March 11 – Natalie Grant
March 18 – Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder
March 25- Jo Dee Messina
April 1 – Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers
April 8 – Lauren Alaina
What’s New For Dollywood in 2023?
We’re glad you asked! A whole bunch is the simplest answer! Dollywood continues to grow and add more exciting attractions as part of the park’s newest expansion plans!
Big Bear Mountain will soon be the newest, most high-tech and longest roller coaster to open at Dollywood! This ride takes visitors on an exhilarating family-friendly expedition in search of Big Bear! Featuring 3,990 feet of track and a nearly 2-minute ride, Big Bear Mountain will feature on-board audio to enhance this incredible experience. Big Bear Mountain is slated to open in the spring of 2023.
Also new to Dollywood in 2023 is an expanded operating calendar! That’s right; Dollywood is opening its gates for 15 more days than it did in 2022! The expansion of Dollywood’s calendar means more opportunities for fun for both first-time guests and season-pass holders. The Pigeon Forge theme park will be open for business all summer as it’s now open every single day of both June and July!
Finally, season passes at Dollywood have changed for the better! Dollywood now offers 4 different passes to choose from: Silver Season Pass, Gold Season Pass, Diamond Pass and Splash Country Season Pass. With 4 different options to choose from, it’s easier than ever to find the right season pass for you and your family!
We hope you’re just as excited as us to celebrate 50 years of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” with this awesome Dollywood Celebrity Concert Series! Do you love Dolly as much as us?! If so, check out these things to do in the Smokies if you love Dolly Parton!
