Dollywood Parks & Resorts is developing several new tributes to founder Dolly Parton following her death on 25 August at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Park president Eugene Naughton said the additions draw on years of conversations with Parton about how she wanted her vision carried forward, with the aim of keeping the theme park, which she created in 1986, rooted in "fun, kindness, and joy" for future generations.

Planned additions include the Dream Maker, an interactive character in the park's Wildwood Grove area designed to inspire guests through storytelling, alongside kiosks where visitors can leave notes about how Parton influenced them. The existing Dolly Parton Experience exhibit will gain a new entrance in her honour, while the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce is preparing a walking tour called "In Dolly's Footsteps" through sites significant to her youth. A standing memorial has also been set up at Dollywood's welcome plaza since her death for visitors to pay their respects.