Dolly Parton teases whether she’d risk her wig by riding Dollywood’s new $50M attraction

After four decades in the amusement business, the legendary Dolly Parton might finally be ready to risk her hair for the sake of a thrill. Known for famously avoiding her own rollercoasters to protect her signature look, Dolly is teasing a possible change of heart, according to an article by Southern Living.

A High-Stakes Attraction

The catalyst for this potential shift is NightFlight Expedition, a massive $50 million investment set to headline the park’s 40th-anniversary celebration. While Dolly previously quipped that she didn't want her wig to “fly off right on national television,” she is taking a different tone regarding this latest addition.

“I don’t usually ride the rides,” Parton admitted, “but this one sounds like a great adventure! Maybe I changed my mind about this ride…”

Mountain Magic at Night

Scheduled for a spring 2026 debut, NightFlight Expedition is a groundbreaking hybrid attraction housed within a 44,000-square-foot, temperature-controlled facility. Although it incorporates water elements, guests can rest easy knowing they won't get soaked.

According to a press release, the ride is a world-first that merges four distinct thrills into one experience. The 5.5-minute journey takes guests through the Great Smoky Mountains to search for bioluminescence, featuring whitewater rafting, a ridge-traversing rollercoaster, and a serene boat cruise across a shimmering lake.

For Dolly, the ride hits close to home by highlighting her favorite time of day in the Smokies. “Our new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is the time that I think they really come to life,” she shared. “I love to see the stars sparkling like rhinestones up in the big old sky. It’s pure mountain magic.”

The ambitious project is the result of a collaboration between Dollywood, Herschend Creative Studios, and manufacturer Mack Rides, ensuring it can operate regardless of the unpredictable mountain weather.