Dolly Parton's legacy fuels tourism and philanthropy in Pigeon Forge
City officials said Dolly Parton's partnership in opening Dollywood transformed Pigeon Forge into a major tourist destination and created significant employment, while her charitable programs continue to benefit the local community.
City Manager David Wear said Dolly Parton's collaboration with the operators of Silver Dollar City to launch Dollywood in 1986 helped put Pigeon Forge on a global tourism map, drawing millions of visitors each year. The theme park is now Sevier County's largest employer, providing jobs and income for local families. Wear noted that Parton referred to residents of Sevier County as “my people” and aimed to create employment opportunities for them.
The economic boost from visitor traffic has spurred growth for businesses throughout the region. Wear added that Parton's philanthropic initiatives, such as the Buddy Program launched in the early 1990s to reduce high school dropout rates, have had a lasting impact on the community. He recounted his own participation in the program and described the assistance provided through the My People Fund after the 2016 East Tennessee wildfires, which helped families rebuild.
While Pigeon Forge hosts millions of tourists annually, it remains a small town of about 6,300 residents. Residents have been sharing personal stories about Parton's influence since her death on Aug. 25, reflecting both her economic contributions and her charitable legacy.