Dollywood adding new features to honor late 'dreamer-in-chief'
NJ farm planted Dolly Parton maze months before death
Happy Day Farm in Manalapan, New Jersey, is featuring a Dolly Parton-themed corn maze that now serves as a bittersweet tribute following the country music icon's passing. Happy Day farm owner Tim Stockel joins LiveNOW's Anna Martin to discuss the project.
Dolly Parton’s famed east Tennessee theme park will debut new features soon to honor the life of its "dreamer-in-chief."
Parton, the beloved country singer, actor and philanthropist, died Aug. 25 at 80 years old after a brief battle with cancer.
Dollywood’s new features
What they're saying:
At a press conference Wednesday, park leaders said they plan to add a new character to the park called the Dream Maker, inspired by Parton’s Imagination Library. They’re also building a waterfall and stained glass windows to a chapel inside the park to reflect her deep faith.
FILE: American singer and songwriter Dolly Parton poses for a portrait at Dollywood on October 24, 1988 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. (Photo by Ron Davis/Getty Images)
The park will add kiosks for visitors to share their thoughts about Parton. They’re also bringing new additions to The Dolly Parton Experience, a multibuilding section that includes exhibits about her life and career.
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Local perspective:
The theme park is in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, minutes away from Parton’s hometown of Sevierville, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s the largest employer in Sevier County. The town of Sevierville will also be placing markers throughout the city for a self-guided walking tour of places that were important to Parton.
Tennessee football to honor Parton with helmet decal
The University of Tennessee’s football team will also honor Parton with a decal on players' helmets for the upcoming season.
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"All that she's meant across the world, this country, and certainly the Queen of East Tennessee," Volunteers coach Josh Heupel told reporters Monday. "A lady that was extremely proud of her roots. You look at her impact, just her ability to give back, make an impact to people, certainly here in East Tennessee. She means a lot to people across this country, but certainly here inside the state of Tennessee, too."
The Source: This article includes information from The Associated Press, ESPN, and previous FOX Local reporting.