Dolly Parton repeatedly demonstrates that categorizing her as a singer doesn’t do justice to her talents. And Dolly just proved her business skills in her newest venture, a hotel called Heart Song near her theme park Dollywood.
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But while Parton takes pride in her entrepreneurial talents, she also deliberately keeps prices as low as possible. Keep reading to learn what Dolly shared about her goal of providing families with accessible luxury.
Dolly Parton – Dishes On New Dollywood Hotel
East Tennessee has become known for the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. And for beloved local Dolly Parton, making the mountains the centerpiece of her theme park Dollywood has played a key role in expanding to add the new Heart Song Lodge & Resort, she told Fodors.
Last month, Dolly sang at the opening ceremony of her new lodge, crooning, “A heart song melody plays like a symphony. The sweetest music I have ever known. A song of joy and pain the mountain angels sing. A bittersweet refrain of my Smoky Mountain home.”
And as Parton reflected on opening her second hotel in Dollywood, she called it a “good feeling to see ourselves grow.”
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For her inspiration, the singer used the mountains. And Dolly explained that being near the Smokies makes her feel emotional yet grounded and inspired.
Dolly Parton – Uses Design From Childhood Home
Featuring 302 rooms, the new lodge and hotel takes its design from Dolly’s own childhood home. For instance, some areas resemble a weather-beaten cabin.
And although the lobby features a four-story-tall fireplace, other elements from her childhood include unfinished stone. But it doesn’t involve a sense of camping.
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And Dolly calls her full-service resort “high-fashion rustic.” Highlights include an outdoor jacuzzi, 82-degree indoor pool, six dining locations, complimentary afternoon treats, and nightly gourmet marshmallow roasts. But amid luxuries such as designer toiletries, Parton provides cabinet doors covered with chicken wire.
And for families, bunk beds with built-in sleeping bags will help kids feel at home. Dolly even includes a chalkboard where kids can ask for the top bunk. However, she makes a point of keeping prices low. For instance, a themed family suite at a premium Disney or Universal resort costs twice as much as Parton’s new hotel.
And Dolly explained, “We cater to families. And we know that a lot of people that come to theme parks and bring their families are usually making a reasonable amount of money per year and don’t have just loads of money to spend on big trips all over the world or whatever.”
However, Parton shared that when families visit Dollywood, she wants them to enjoy the experience without worrying about money. “And we want it always to stay affordable to where people really feel like they’ve gone on a special vacation,” she added. “But they didn’t lose the farm.”
Tell us what you think. How do you feel about Dolly Parton’s goal of offering affordable luxury to families at her theme park and hotel? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.
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