50th Anniversary Celebration – I Will Always Love You Dolly Parton

Written and originally recorded by a country music icon in 1973, Dolly Parton I Will Always Love You is a timeless masterpiece. Fifty years after its birth, the monumental song still gives us all the feels. Grab your beau and celebrate the 50th anniversary of this classic at Dollywood!

With its heartbreaking yet simple lyrics, Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You is included in almost every breakup playlist. The ever-popular soundtrack, The Bodyguard, has the magic that brings us back to our past relationships and heartaches.

We’re pretty sure that you’ve belted out this song while ugly crying in the car or shower at some point in your life. To honor this iconic ballad, Dollywood is throwing the I Will Always Love You Celebration, featuring toe-tapping performances, scrumptious culinary offerings, and special décor.

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Follow along as we spill all the deets about the Dolly Parton I Will Always Love You celebration.

Nearby Hotels and Lodging

Skip out on long and costly drives when you book a nearby room in Pigeon Forge! The city is filled with discounted hotels that are less than an hour’s drive from Dollywood Parks and Resorts:

• Sunrise Ridge Resort
• River Place Inn
• Comfort Inn & Suites at Dollywood Lane
• Best Western Toni Inn
• The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center

Other Attractions in Pigeon Forge

After singing your heart out at Dollywood’s I Will Always Love You Celebration, set aside at least a couple of extra days for your Pigeon Forge vacation to enjoy the city’s views and charm.

Don’t worry about your budget, as you can score these packages from Tripster:

• Anakeesta – SAVE up to $2
• Titanic Museum Attraction – SAVE up to $7
• Tis the Season – SAVE up to $12.18
• Crave Golf Club – SAVE up to $2
• Patty Waszak Show – SAVE up to $3
• Alcatraz East Crime Museum – SAVE up to $2
• Country Tonite Show – SAVE up to $5
• Beyond The Lens Family Fun - Pigeon Forge, TN – SAVE up to $2
• The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel – SAVE up to $2
• A Salute to Elvis – SAVE up to $2
• Micro Wrestling – SAVE up to $5
• A Tribute to Conway Twitty by Travis James – SAVE up to $2
• The MAGIC of Terry Evanswood – SAVE up to $5.25

I Will Always Love You Celebration Attractions

Aside from celebrating Dolly Parton’s eminent status as an artist, the event also treats guests with lots of fun and entertainment.

Live Outdoor Performances

Leave it to Dollywood to host a fair that’s attended by some of the most well-known singers in the industry. Get your vocals ready, as you’ll be singing your heart out alongside talented musicians throughout the celebration.

This event will feature Songwriters’ Showcase, a program highlighting up-and-coming singers and songwriters. Just head to the Show Street Palace Theater to hear new talents and discover new favorites. The full lineup will be released soon.

Scrumptious Bites and Sips

The theme park is home to delectable eats like the famous cinnamon bread, so expect delectable cuisines that will make your mouth water. Satiate hunger with heavy meals such as slow-roasted pork loin, pot roast, fried catfish, and more.

Don’t forget to save room for some cookies and funnel cake.

I Will Always Love You Celebration Tickets

Unfortunately, the ticket sale date for this event has not been announced. Check back later for more updates.

About I Will Always Love You

While many may have the words to I Will Always Love You stuck in their memory, the song’s history and story are a little lesser known. Some are even surprised to find out that Dolly Parton is the one who wrote the song!

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To start, the ballad is not written as a love song but as a professional breakup. It is an expression of gratitude and to honor Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton’s on-screen duet partner and mentor.

Not many people know that I Will Always Love You hit No.1 on the charts several times: when it was first released in 1974, the time Dolly Parton re-recorded it for the movie The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and when the late Whitney Houston sang it for the movie The Bodyguard.

Without question, I Will Always Love You is a cultural phenomenon. No wonder a lot of well-known artists want to sing it, like the King of Rock ‘n Roll -- Elvis Presley himself!

I Will Always Love You Celebration Date and Details

The I Will Always Love You Dolly Parton celebration runs from March 11, 2023, through April 8, 2023. Unfortunately, no information about the event’s lineup has been released. There’s no news of Dolly Parton attending the celebration, either. Still, we’re keeping our fingers crossed.

Other Amusements in Dollywood

Rides and Attractions

With over 50 incredible rides, Dollywood will surely give you the thrill and adrenaline that you seek. Start the day early, so you’ll have more time to try the park’s world-class attractions, including Mystery Mine, Wild Eagle, and Lightning Rod.

Live Shows

A visit to Dollywood means plenty of entertainment for everyone. Catch live and unbelievable performances by local artists during your visit. Be sure to bring your coolest moves, as you’ll surely find yourself dancing to the energetic beats.

Shopping and Crafts

Bring home the perfect memento from your vacation. Dollywood houses a variety of stores where you can purchase special souvenirs.

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The word on the street is there will be Dolly Parton merchandise during the I Will Always Love You Celebration, so get your wallets ready.

Celebrate the Dolly Parton I Will Always Love You Anniversary at Dollywood

As a song created by Dolly Parton and re-recorded by Whitney Houston, I Will Always Love You is a cultural treasure. Marking its 50th year, the song is getting the celebration it deserves at the Dollywood Theme Park!

So, grab your fellow fans and honor the classic song with live performances and culinary delights!