Dolly Parton is the co-owner of Dollywood, one of the most popular theme parks in the US. Her influence and presence are felt and seen throughout the Smoky Mountain theme park (literally and figuratively), including its collection of award-winning roller coasters.
But does Dolly Parton ride roller coasters at her own park? Those who saw her at the park during her most recent visit heard the answer straight from the Queen herself.
Dolly Parton with Dollywood Parks and Resorts president Eugene Naughton at a media event celebrating the theme park’s 40th season on March 14, 2025.
Responding to a question from an audience member at the kickoff to the park’s 40th season last month, Dolly revealed that she does not ride roller coasters due to her predisposition to motion sickness.
Dolly Parton standing in front of Dollywood’s former Thunder Express mine train coaster, which operated from 1989-1998. Photo courtesy of Dollywood.
“I don’t ride the rides…I have a tendency to get motion sickness.”
But motion sickness isn’t the only reason that keeps her from taking a spin on the coasters at Dollywood. Her wigs are too valuable to be lost:
“Plus, I don’t want my hair flying, hanging on some tree on the top of the Smokies.”
She revealed she’s felt the pressure to ride:
“They kept saying, ‘But you have to ride the rides, it’s your park.'”
But she has rightfully stood her ground (and stayed on the ground):
“I said, ‘No, I don’t!”
Dolly shared the story of a media event for an unspecified Dollywood coaster opening where Dolly lookalikes were recruited to ride the new coaster to make it appear as if Dolly was riding the new coaster (Tennessee Tornado?):
“One year, we had about five or six Dolly lookalikes on the big coaster that we had, and they were just sailing around, and the press didn’t know which one was me.”
After the coaster returned to the station, she said she stepped out in front of the crowd and fixed her hair to make it appear as she had just gotten off the coaster.
She’s teased riding the roller coasters in the past. Dollywood recently shared the below photo from a media event for the Thunderhead wooden coaster’s debut in April 2004:
Dolly Parton on the Thunderhead wooden coaster in April 2004. Photo courtesy of Dollywood.
While Dolly is technically on Thunderhead while the coaster is in motion, she likely boarded the train in the covered transfer track section that precedes the station — her restraint being in the upright position supports that theory.
Dolly Parton also road the transfer track up into the station during the media event for Mystery Mine as seen in the video below:
So it appears she does have like 1/10 of a coaster credit!
Does Dolly Parton ride roller coasters?
Watch the full video of Dolly discussing her roller-coaster riding history (or lack thereof):
So, while those wondering, “Does Dolly Parton ride roller coasters?” may be disappointed, she has a humorous take on her unfortunate susceptibility to motion sickness. And there are certainly many other non-coaster attractions and things to do at Dollywood. Personally, I think the world famous cinnamon bread is the best ride in the park.
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