Dolly Parton 2025: 5 Jaw-Dropping New Projects That Prove The Queen Of Country Is Never Retiring

Dolly Parton’s schedule for 2025 is proving, yet again, that the legendary Queen of Country has absolutely no plans to slow down, even as she approaches her 80th birthday. As of this December 2025 update, the superstar is dominating the entertainment landscape with a flurry of major new ventures, including a highly anticipated musical, a national tour, a new hotel, and significant developments at her beloved theme park, Dollywood.

The sheer volume of new projects—from the world premiere of her autobiographical musical to a new family album—confirms her status as an unstoppable force in music, business, and philanthropy. Fans can look forward to an unprecedented year of new content and experiences, cementing her legacy as one of the most prolific and beloved entertainers of all time.

Dolly Parton: A Living Legend's Complete Biography and Career Milestones

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. She was one of 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton, an illiterate sharecropper and farmer, and Avie Lee Owens. Her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains have remained a central theme and inspiration throughout her entire career.

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Parton began performing as a child and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, the day after her high school graduation in 1964. Her career exploded after she began working with Porter Wagoner in 1967, which led to a successful solo career.

• Full Name: Dolly Rebecca Parton
• Born: January 19, 1946 (Age 79 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Locust Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.
• Spouse: Carl Thomas Dean (m. 1966)
• Key Nicknames: The Queen of Country, The Smoky Mountain Songbird, The Backwoods Barbie
• Songwriting Legacy: She has written over 3,000 songs, including the classics "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," and "9 to 5."
• Major Awards: 11 Grammy Awards (with 50 nominations), a Lifetime Achievement Award, 10 Country Music Association Awards, 3 American Music Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• Philanthropy: Founder of the Imagination Library, a book-gifting program that has mailed over 200 million books worldwide. She was also a major donor to COVID-19 vaccine research.
• Business Empire: Co-owner of The Dollywood Company, which operates the Dollywood theme park, a waterpark, dinner theaters, and resorts in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The 2025 Entertainment Takeover: Musicals, Albums, and Live Shows

The year 2025 is shaping up to be one of the busiest in Parton's recent history, highlighted by several high-profile theatrical and musical endeavors that showcase her enduring creative power. These projects are not just re-runs; they are fresh, new experiences for her dedicated global fanbase.

1. World Premiere of 'Dolly: A True Original Musical'

Perhaps the most anticipated project is the world premiere of Dolly: A True Original Musical, set for Nashville in 2025. This autobiographical work features a book written by Dolly Parton herself, alongside Maria S. Schlatter, and is directed by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher. The musical is expected to be a deeply personal and inspiring look at her life, from her childhood in Sevier County to her rise to international stardom, featuring her extensive catalog of hits.

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2. The 'Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol' National Tour

Parton is bringing the festive spirit across the U.S. with the national tour of her heartwarming stage musical, Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol. The tour is scheduled to kick off in November 2025 and will visit more than 20 cities. This adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens tale, set in the Smoky Mountains during the 1930s, has become a holiday staple and a major touring entity.

3. Two New Album Releases and Promotions

Parton’s musical output remains prolific. May 2025 saw the release of a new compilation album through her Butterfly Records label, created to celebrate Dollywood’s 40th season. Additionally, she is actively promoting and touring for her recent family-focused album, Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables. This album is a deeply personal exploration of her rich family heritage, further solidifying her connection to her Tennessee roots.

4. 'Threads: My Songs in Symphony' and Las Vegas Residency

Following a sold-out world premiere with the Nashville Symphony in 2025, the multimedia symphonic experience Threads: My Songs in Symphony is already expanding, with dates announced for new U.S. cities in 2026. This innovative show blends her iconic songs with orchestral arrangements. Furthermore, the popularity of her limited run, Dolly: Live in Las Vegas, from early December 2025, has generated significant buzz, with many anticipating an extended residency in the future.

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Dollywood 2025: New Attractions and Major Park Upgrades

The Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, a cornerstone of Parton’s business empire and a major economic engine for Sevier County, is also rolling out significant new features and upgrades for its 2025 season.

The 'I Will Always Love You Music Festival'

The 2025 season opens with the inaugural I Will Always Love You Music Festival. This new festival promises a celebration of music that reflects Parton’s own diverse influences and deep appreciation for all genres, setting a high bar for the park’s anniversary year.

Key Dollywood 2025 Upgrades

The park is undergoing substantial refurbishments and additions to enhance the guest experience. These strategic investments ensure Dollywood remains a world-class attraction and a vibrant tribute to Appalachian culture.

• Wilderness Pass Restaurant: A brand-new dining experience for guests in the Wilderness Pass area.
• The Village and Country Fair Refresh: Major aesthetic and functional updates to two of the park’s most popular areas.
• Imagination Playhouse: An upgrade to the popular family entertainment venue, which often features shows based on her Imagination Library books.
• Tennessee Tornado: The classic steel coaster is receiving a significant refresh and upgrade.
• Smoky Mountain Christmas: The park’s beloved holiday event, featuring over 6 million twinkling lights, is scheduled to run from November 1, 2025, through January 4, 2026.

The 'SongTeller Hotel' and Future Expansion

The expansion of the Dollywood complex continues with the mention of Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel, noted with an October 29, 2025, date. This new venture suggests a further commitment to creating a fully immersive resort experience tied to her life and music. Furthermore, the park is already teasing a major, unannounced project coming in 2026, indicating that the growth and investment in the Dollywood Company are far from over.

Health, Longevity, and The Secret to Her Endurance

Despite a packed schedule that would exhaust entertainers half her age, Dolly Parton remains transparent about her commitment to her career and her health. In October 2025, she directly addressed circulating health rumors, assuring fans that she is "Not Dead Yet" and "Feeling Fine." She had previously canceled a public appearance in September 2025 due to a kidney stone-related infection, but she quickly recovered, stating in August 2025 that she was "Getting Better Every Day."

As she reflects on her career and approaches her 80s, Parton has often stated that retirement is not in her vocabulary. Her tireless work ethic, her deep faith, and her genuine love for her fans fuel her continuous stream of projects. Whether through the global reach of the Imagination Library, the economic impact of Dollywood, or the enduring power of her music, Dolly Parton’s 2025 slate of projects is a powerful testament to her unparalleled status as a true original and an American icon.