Dolly Parton and Dollywood Featured on Good Morning America

On May 12, 2021, Dolly Parton and Dollywood were featured on Good Morning America. Robin Roberts came to Dollywood to speak with Dolly and learn more about the theme park and charity work the country singer has done over her life. Keep reading to learn what Dolly Parton talked about on the show:

Good Morning America Interview

Dolly’s interview starts out with Robin saying how much of a family the employees are at Dollywood and how they connect with Dolly herself. She explained that she considers the Dollywood employees, as well as her bandmates, family. They talked about how employees banded together to make the theme park as safe as possible during the course of the pandemic once it opened back up.

Dolly then explained that a year ago, Dollywood was supposed to have a press conference, but it got cancelled. The theme park was closed for the year, and this was the first time she had returned since Dollywood reopened. Robin asked about the Flower and Food Festival, and Dolly talked about the flowers and seeing the memorial sculpture of her mother creating her coat of many colors for the first time. She said she was emotional and took several pictures of the art installation. Seeing the sculpture made her grateful for family, especially during the pandemic.

Dolly goes on to talk about how she continued doing work from home, including reading books from the Imagination Library and posting videos so children could watch her. The Imagination Library was started in 1995 to send books to children under 5 years old in Sevier County to promote reading. Dolly credits her father as the inspiration of the charity, because he couldn’t read. She wanted children in her hometown to grow up with books and learn how to read, and she talks about how her father loved that children called her “the book lady.”

Showing Off the Food

In addition to her interview, Dolly and Robin met with Dollywood’s culinary director, Aaron Banks. He showed a demo of preparing a brisket sandwich that is available during the Flower and Food Festival, and then he talked about other popular dishes, including the lobster roll and the Cuban sandwich. All three hosts prepared a blueberry and lavender funnel cake.

Singing For the Audience

Dolly also sang her infamous song, “Coat of Many Colors,” since one of the sculptures during the festival is centered around her mother making this article of clothing. Watch the performance here:

More About the Flower and Food Festival

The Flower and Food Festival is an annual event at Dollywood. It runs from April to June. All around the theme park, you’ll see all kinds of amazing sculptures, including the one of Dolly’s mother, as well as critters you might find in the Smokies. On Show Street, you’ll get to walk under an umbrella sky. In the Adventures in Imagination section, you’ll find a chalk artist creating incredible works of art you can enjoy, as well as interactive photo ops. Kids can also participate in chalk art. Of course, you can’t miss out on the food since it’s the other half of the festival! You’ll find all kinds of amazing dishes, including beef bulgogi nachos, palettas, and fish and chips.

Dollywood

Dollywood is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Even if you can’t make it during the festival, you’ll find all kinds of fun things to do! From thrill rides to kiddie rides, there’s a fun activity for everyone in the family! Even if you don’t like rides, you can browse through the shops, enjoy an entertaining show, or try all the delicious food!

Now you know a little more about Dolly Parton and Dollywood. You definitely won’t want to miss out on this theme park when you’re in town! Check out these other attractions in the Smoky Mountains to see what else you should do when you visit!