USA TODAY US Edition

Dollywood spreads the ‘Love’ in its celebrity concerts

- Eve Chen

Dolly Parton’s timeless hit “I Will Always Love You“marks its 50th anniversar­y this year, and Dollywood is celebratin­g in a big way. ⬤ From March 11 through April 8, the Tennessee theme park will host an all-new “I Will Always Love You Celebratio­n” highlighti­ng the power of songwritin­g and songs. Each Saturday, guests will be ⬤ able to see an award-winning artist perform as part of the celebratio­n’s Celebrity Concert Series. They also will be able to hear directly from acclaimed songwriter­s such as Dana Black, who wrote George Strait’s “Check Yes or No” and “Write This Down,” Billy Montana, who co-wrote “Suds in the Bucket” for Sara Evans, and Steve Dean, who co-wrote Reba McEntire’s “Walk On.” There also will be special food, decor and merchandis­e for the event. Here’s what Dollywood ⬤ guests should know.

Who’s performing at Dollywood?

⬤ March 11 - Natalie Grant.

⬤ March 18 - Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.

⬤ March 25 - Jo Dee Messina.

⬤ April 1 - Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers.

⬤ April 8 - Lauren Alaina.

The concerts are included with admission to the park.

“It’s humbling to be a part of such a beautiful celebratio­n,” Messina said in a statement. “This isn’t just a show; it’s inclusion in celebratin­g a huge part of musical history. ‘I Will Always Love You’ has crossed the lines of musical genres, has transcende­d throughout generation­s, and has impacted people worldwide. Dang, Dolly, that’s amazing!”

Alaina called Parton the “best artist/songwriter of all time” and an inspiratio­n throughout her own life.

“Dolly is a legend, an icon and pure class,” she said. “I would celebrate her any time.”

How much does it cost to get into Dollywood?

One-day theme park tickets cost $89 per adult. The daily rate goes down as more days are added to the ticket.

Like many theme parks, Dollywood considers guests age 10 and older adults for admission. Discounts are available for younger children and seniors. Entry for kids younger than age 4 is free, and free Pre-K Imaginatio­n Passes are available for kids born in 2018 and 2019.

Can Dollywood be done in one day?

Yes, but you won’t be able to do everything. There are more than 50 attraction­s across the 160-acre park in addition to ongoing entertainm­ent.

 ?? BRIANNA PACIORKA/USA TODAY NETWORK ?? Dolly Parton welcomes guests to opening day at Dollywood in 2022. From March 11 through April 8, the Tennessee theme park will host an all-new “I Will Always Love You Celebratio­n.”
BRIANNA PACIORKA/USA TODAY NETWORK Dolly Parton welcomes guests to opening day at Dollywood in 2022. From March 11 through April 8, the Tennessee theme park will host an all-new “I Will Always Love You Celebratio­n.”
 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? Jo Dee Messina is humbled to be part of the celebratio­n.
GETTY IMAGES Jo Dee Messina is humbled to be part of the celebratio­n.

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