KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Dolly Parton has given two of her biggest projects in the pipeline official opening dates.
The iconic singer recently announced her HeartSong Lodge and Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., will open this November, while her new theme ride, Big Bear Mountain, will open in May.
According to an article from the Knoxville News Sentinel, the 302-room resort is inspired by Parton’s love for the Smoky Mountains. Approximately half of the resort’s rooms will have views of the mountains. It is reported Parton will return to the resort for the grand opening later this year.
HeartSong Lodge and Resort will be located just up the hill from the existing DreamMore Resort and Spa, with both properties having around 600 rooms in total. The new resort is slated to include a 26,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor event venue and a restaurant.
Big Bear Mountain will be the longest ride in the history of Dollywood and represents the largest investment in a single attraction at $25 million, according to the article.
In an interview, Parton told the News Sentinel the roller coaster will be family friendly as children can ride with their parents.
“That actually is one that I might eventually ride because it’s not so scary,” she said. “I just have a tendency to get motion sickness, and that’s really why I don’t ride them more than anything else.”
