Does Dolly Parton own Dollywood? How much does the singer control of the iconic theme park

Dolly Parton's husband, Carl Dean's demise at the age of 82 has sparked renewed interest in the veteran country singer's shares of the iconic theme park Dollywood.

Dollywood is a popular amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Each year, it rakes in about 3 million guests. Just this past December, it was dubbed the No. 1 theme park in the nation by the National Amusement Park Historical Association and Tripadvisor. The year before that, it nabbed the best park in the world award at the Golden Ticket Awards.

But just because it bears the name of one of the most legendary country singers of the nation, does that mean she owns it all? The answer is no. Parton owns 50% of Dollywood. Keep on reading to know more.

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Dolly Parton's stake in Dollywood explored:

By the 1980s, Dolly Parton had already established herself as one of the leading artists in the country music arena. The singer-songwriter is most known for her smash hits like Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You.

At the time, Jack and Pete Herschend, the brothers who helmed the development of the Silver Dollar City amusement park in Missouri, were already toying with the idea of expanding their theme park in Pigeon Forge. They then approached the artist with this deal, and when Dolly agreed, a joint venture was born.

The amusement park then opened in 1986, culminating in a rebranding that further served her popularity. According to Knox News, the number of guests coming in was doubled to 1.3 million in the first year the park opened up alone. As for the shares owned, apart from Dolly Parton, the Herschends own the remaining 50%. According to the outlet, the singer boasts a $165 million stake in the theme park.

Jack Herschend, one of the owners, spoke of their relationship with Dolly, as reported by WVLT, in March 2024:

“Partnership with Dolly Parton is kind of like a partnership made in heaven. We knew when we got involved with Dolly that she would represent us; she’d be the spokesperson and do a better job than anybody else that I can think of."

He went on:

“Dolly Parton has added so much to that very point of heart for the community. She’s the one who said 40% of kids in my high school don’t graduate. We need to do something.”

Dolly chimed in to credit the brothers for the business flourishing:

“That means a lot that I’m involved with so many great people. The Herschend family and I were blessed when God saw fit for us all together all those many years ago back in ‘86 when we opened Dollywood. And you just never know how it’s going to turn out, but everything is so great,” said Dolly.

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Dolly Parton's longtime husband, Carl Dean, died in Nashville, Tennessee, as reported by a statement on social media. The two were married for over 60 years, though he chose to maintain his life outside of the public eye.