Dolly Parton Expands Dollywood

Country Music Diva Dolly Parton made a big announcement via live stream from Dollywood on Wednesday, August 21, 2013.

Dolly Parton has announced a $300 Million Dollar expansion and upgrade for Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The '9 to 5' singer is planning a new resort hotel and expansion, her dream ever since she affixed her name to the theme park 28 years ago. Over the next few years, fans can expect more innovative rides, bigger production style shows, and a new family resort hotel.

The first investment is what's described as the first dual-launch "family-style" roller coaster, expected to open in March 2014. The FireChaser Express roller coaster launches twice, traveling forward and backward on a winding 2,427-foot track. The hotel expansion, known as 'Dollywood's DreamMore Resort' is set to open in 2015. The opening is timed to coincide with the park's 30th anniversary.

Over 9 million people a year visit the great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and tourism continues to boom in Dolly's hometown. Dollywood is a big part of that growing success on top of adding thousands of new jobs to the area!

Click here for the official Dollywood website.