As the sun sets behind the Great Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton’s iconic theme park, Dollywood, comes alive with the sounds of laughter and excitement. The air is filled with the scent of funnel cakes and the distant screams of thrill-seekers on the rides. Amongst all this hustle and bustle stands the queen of country music herself, surveying her kingdom with a mixture of pride and nostalgia.
Parton, the co-owner of Dollywood since 1986, is a larger-than-life figure in the world of entertainment. Yet, despite her larger-than-life persona, there’s one aspect of her park that she tends to avoid – the rides. In a recent speech, she admitted her aversion to riding the attractions, citing childhood motion sickness and claustrophobia as the primary reasons behind her reluctance.
In a candid interview with Peachtree TV, Parton elaborated on her decision to steer clear of the rides. “I don’t like to ride the rides, everybody knows that about me,” she confessed. “I have a tendency to have motion sickness. And then I’m a little bit claustrophobic. I don’t like to be closed in.” Her reasoning is refreshingly honest, highlighting her pragmatic approach to self-preservation. “I just think ‘Well, I just have too much to lose.’ My boobs could fly out, my hair could fall off. Any number of things could happen to me on those rides.”
Despite her reservations about riding the attractions, Parton’s passion for Dollywood and its connection to her roots is unwavering. In an interview with USA Today, she reflected on her childhood visits to the fairgrounds and the dream of one day creating a special place of her own. “I feel like all the people here are my people, in this area,” she mused. “These are my mountains, my valleys. These are my people. This is my home.”
As Dollywood prepares to unveil its biggest attraction to date, NightFlight Expedition, Parton finds herself tempted by the allure of the $50 million ride. Described as an indoor water ride-meets-roller coaster, the new addition promises a magical experience unlike any other. Despite her usual reluctance to partake in the park’s offerings, Parton admitted, “I usually don’t ride the rides, but this one sounds so magical, I might just check that one out.”
In a world filled with ever-changing trends and fleeting fads, Dolly Parton remains a steadfast symbol of authenticity and resilience. Her approach to Dollywood, both as a business venture and as a reflection of her personal journey, speaks volumes about her commitment to her roots and her unwavering dedication to her craft. As the sun sets on another day at Dollywood, Parton’s legacy shines bright, illuminating the hearts of all those who are fortunate enough to walk through its gates.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.