Does Dolly Parton own Herschend Enterprises?
Daniel Santos
Updated on January 09, 2026
Parton is merely a co-owner and a partner in the business, albeit an active and hands-on one. The Dollywood complex is owned primarily and operated by a family destination conglomerate called Herschend Family Entertainment.
Who owns Herschend Family Entertainment?
Founded by Jack and Pete Herschend of Branson, Missouri, in its early years HFE was simply known as Herschend Enterprises. In the 1980s the name was changed to Silver Dollar City Inc., and in 2003, the company gained the current name. HFE is currently headquartered in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.
How much is the Herschend family worth?
The family crisis was a turning point, and ever since that incident they’ve moved adroitly to protect a business they built from virtually nothing 50-plus years ago. It’s now worth $1 billion–and the two brothers and their families own it all.
When was Dollywood started?
1986
Dollywood History. Since 1986, visitors from around the world have become well acquainted with the Dollywood name and experience. However, the entertainment park actually traces its roots back to 1961 when Rebel Railroad first opened on the site that, over time, has expanded and grown into Dollywood.
What companies does Dolly Parton own?
Parton jointly owns Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins with Herschend Family Entertainment. Dollywood employees refer to her as their “Dreamer in Chief” because she offers insight when they made changes or additions to the park.
Does Dolly own Dollywood?
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, U.S. Dollywood is a theme park jointly owned by entertainer Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. It is located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains metroplex in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Does Dolly ever go to Dollywood?
Dolly Parton has never been on any of the rides at her own theme park, Dollywood. She’s more interested in maintaining her fabulous look. “I don’t ride the rides. I never have,” the singer tells The New York Times.
Is Dolly Parton related to Billy Ray Cyrus?
In real life, Parton is also considered to be Cyrus’ godmother. I’ve known her since she was a baby,” Parton once told ABC. “Her father (Billy Ray Cyrus) is a friend of mine. And when she was born, he said, ‘You just have to be her godmother,’ and I said, ‘I accept.
Is Dollywood free after 3?
In previous years, visitors who purchased tickets and entered Dollywood after 3 PM were alloewd to return the following day for free. This program has been discontinued and tickets purchased after 3 PM are not valid for reentry the following day. In order to return, you will have to purchase another ticket.
Who are the owners of Herschend Family Entertainment?
Herschend Family Entertainment owns, operates and manages family-oriented theme parks and attractions across the country. Learn More We have numerous jobs available across our company. Come join our team and “create memories worth repeating®”
What was the name of the Herschend amusement park?
They soon built an amusement park above ground called Silver Dollar City, modeling it on a long-gone nearby mining town. Over the years the brothers turned their Herschend Family Entertainment into one of the largest private amusement park and entertainment companies in America.
How much money does the Herschend Family have?
The company, which now has $400 million in sales from 26 properties, has picked up several aquariums and a safari in recent years. It has also embarked on a $300 million expansion of a resort outside Dollywood (which it co-owns with Dolly Parton). Latest acquisition: the Harlem Globetrotters.
Who are the Herschend Brothers and what did they do?
The Herschend brothers have built the largest amusement park company you’ve never heard of–and a $1 billion fortune . But the real story is how they’ve sustained a family-owned business. The latest TV blockbuster makes the case for capitalism.