PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood's own "Dreamer in Chief," Dolly Parton, arrived at Pigeon Forge to celebrate the grand opening of the new HeartSong Lodge and Resort on Friday.
Dolly announced the resort in June of 2021, and it's been in the works for about two years. This is the second resort she's opened near her theme park, Dollywood.
"I'm proud to be a Tennessee girl. Certainly an East Tennessee girl," Dolly said.
Mark Ezell is the Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development. He joined Dolly and the President of Dollywood, Eugene Naughton, on stage at the grand opening to talk about how her investments in Sevier County have brought big bucks to the state.
"In 2022, Sevier County generated $3.8 billion in travel spending," Ezell said. "And even more impressive is the number in the past five years, because of people like you, visitor spending has increased 53%."
The resort employs 400 people, not including the many who helped build it.
"It's a great economic impact for our county. It's wonderful to welcome people in," said Ellen Liston, a spokesperson for Dollywood Parks and Resorts.
"No one in the country has seen it increase by more than 50%, but no one else in the country has Dolly and her dreams," Ezell said.
The prices for a stay at Heartsong start at $219 per night before tax, but prices can fluctuate. Any visitors who plan on coming during the holidays or during busy seasons can also expect to pay much more.