Dolly Parton's Surprising Secret: The Reason She Refuses to Experience Dollywood Alone, Even as Its Owner

Dolly Parton Denise Truscello/Getty Images for ACM

Dolly Parton is not one to cut in line, even at her own amusement park, Dollywood. Despite owning the park, the 77-year-old singer believes it would be silly for her to go ahead of anyone. She mentioned in an interview with Taste of Country that she doesn't ride the rides anyway, so she doesn't mind waiting in line. "I got around that one, didn't I," she added.

However, if Parton ever wanted to avoid waiting in line or being surrounded by crowds, she could simply close off Dollywood for a day to enjoy the theme park privately with her husband, Carl Dean. Unfortunately, that has never been the case. Parton revealed in an interview with Taste of Country that since its opening in 1961, she has never closed down Dollywood exclusively for herself and her husband.

"I have often dreamt of doing that for my entire family," she shared. "Just for my siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. However, it's a challenging feat because people purchase season tickets and visitors come and go. It's just not feasible."

Parton, demonstrating why she is regarded as one of the most adored and respected figures in the world today, prioritizes her fans' happiness over her own enjoyment. Nevertheless, she did contemplate the possibility of organizing a Parton family fun day at the park. "Perhaps we would need to arrange it after normal operating hours, but then it would be too late to truly enjoy ourselves," she observed. "Therefore, I suppose we will simply visit the park individually and use our complimentary passes."

Dollywood, George Rose/Getty Images

Prior to the release of her book Behind the Seams: My Life In Rhinestones, Parton shares her thoughts. Co-authored by Holly George-Warren and Rebecca Seaver and published by Penguin Random House, the book delves into the intricate details behind Parton's unwavering love for fashion. It explores her journey in creating her unique and iconic Dolly style, which has not only challenged norms but also captivated fans globally.

The book features insider stories about Dolly Parton's life and career, as well as an exclusive glimpse into her personal costume collection. It aims to serve as a valuable resource for finding your own path to beauty and confidence.

In addition to the book, Parton will also be releasing Rockstar on November 17. The album showcases Dolly's unique take on iconic rock songs, featuring collaborations with renowned musicians such as Steven Tyler, Debbie Harry, Linda Perry, Sheryl Crow, Rob Halford, Elton John, and the surviving members of The Beatles, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. This marks Parton's first-ever venture into the rock genre.

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Dolly Parton