Dolly Parton, who celebrated her 80th birthday in January, is actively expanding her vast business empire, which is estimated to be worth $650 million by The Economist and Forbes estimates her net worth is $450 million. Despite facing a difficult period after the death of her husband, Carl Dean, and her own health challenges, Parton remains committed to growing her ventures. Her priorities are rooted in faith, family, and kindness, rather than solely focusing on financial returns, a characteristic noted by those close to her and academic Kevin Trowbridge from Belmont University.
Dollywood, a theme park she co-owns near her childhood home in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a cornerstone of her empire. The park attracted over four million visitors last year and is expected to exceed that number this year, bucking the trend of declining attendance seen by some regional theme parks. Dollywood is undergoing a significant $500 million investment plan, which includes a new $50 million indoor thrill coaster and white-water rafting ride called NightFlight Expedition. Parton is involved in major decisions, even selecting fabrics for the resort hotels, which now include two properties opened in 2015 and 2023, with more hotels and a campground planned.
Beyond Dollywood, Parton's ventures are diverse. She is launching a chain of Dolly-themed highway gas stations and shops through a partnership with Tennessean Travel Stop. This fall will see the opening of Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel and a museum in downtown Nashville. Her business interests also span a clothing line, a wine label (Dolly Wines launched with Parton Family Cellars), baking mixes, homeware, and a makeup line (Dolly Beauty, in collaboration with Scent Beauty) which industry sources predict will generate $20 million in retail sales in its first year. Her extensive music catalog, comprising over 3,000 songs, is valued at approximately $120 million, with royalties from hits like "I Will Always Love You" (which generated an estimated $20 million after Whitney Houston's version) contributing significantly to her wealth. Parton has also been inducted into the theme-park industry’s hall of fame, a testament to her impact.
Parton’s business acumen dates back to her early career, where she retained ownership of her publishing rights, a decision that has been pivotal to her financial success. She also co-owns World Choice Investments, which operates multiple attractions in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida, including dinner theaters and restaurants. The success of Dollywood has enabled her partner, Herschend, to acquire other regional parks such as Kennywood in Pennsylvania and Lake Compounce in Connecticut. A 2021 Tennessee government study indicated Dollywood’s direct economic impact was $1.8 billion annually, creating over 23,000 jobs, reflecting Parton's dream of providing jobs and supporting her community. She hopes Dollywood will continue to grow even after she is gone.
