The park’s patron and joint owner Dolly Parton made her first appearance in two years at the park – welcoming in the new season at the North American park with a preview day for the gathered media and a live show where the award-winning singer shared some new songs from the new album, Run, Rose, Run.

“I can’t believe it’s been two years since the last time we’ve been together here at Dollywood,” the singer said prior to the event. “I’ve missed seeing everyone, but I can promise you I’ve been staying busy and working a lot more than ‘9 to 5.’ And all of our guests have certainly been keeping everyone here at Dollywood busy the last two years, and I want to thank everybody who has visited for their support the last two years.

Dollywood provides over 50 rides and attractions with nine roller coasters and two water rides. Since opening in 1961, the park has become one of America’s main roller coaster destinations, attracting three million visitors each year.

To continue its musical theme for the new season, until 15 April, park guests can enjoy some of the region’s most engaging performers and songwriters during a five-week schedule of acoustic performances in the Pines Theatre.