PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025) –The rhythm of autumn settles into the Smoky Mountains inviting guests to celebrate the sights and the sounds of the season at Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 12–Oct. 27). Taking center stage for the first time at Dollywood is a heartfelt tribute to country music legend Loretta Lynn, titled Always Loretta (Sept. 12-14). Lynn, known for her timeless voice and songwriting, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire the generations that have followed her. The tribute, created by David Thornhill of The Original Coalminers in collaboration with lead vocalist Emily Portman, is the only show authorized and endorsed by Lynn’s family.
Thornhill’s tribute was inspired by Lynn’s legendary music career, “It was a wonderful run filled with unforgettable moments and timeless music,” said Thornhill, reflecting on his time with Lynn. For Portman, it’s more than just honoring Lynn’s music; it’s about sharing the spirit of Lynn’s life and legacy.
“This show is more than just a tribute – it’s truly an honor,” said Portman. “We share Loretta’s music and her story from the people who know her best. Fans tell us it’s like stepping back in time.” The Original Coalminers and Portman have recently released a new album, A Picture of Us, which features duets with The Malpass Brothers, alongside classic songs and three original tracks.
“Dollywood has always felt like a second home,” says Portman. “To bring Loretta’s music to Dolly’s place – it’s like a dream come true.”
Always Loretta, the tribute with The Original Coalminers and Emily Portman, is among the many artists performing during Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, which delights guests with more than 700 individual performances. Other artists include Sidewalk Prophets, Triumphant Quartet, Daily & Vincent, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, The Grascals, Keith Anderson and Emily Ann Roberts.
“There’s truly no better place to be than the Harvest Festival at Dollywood – surrounded by fans of Dolly, Loretta and country music in general,” Dennie Digby added, another member of The Original Coalminers.
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival offers more than just live music. During the day, guests can enjoy harvest-themed culinary creations and picture-perfect photo ops with more than 12,000 pumpkins throughout the park. By night, the pumpkins come to life, thanks to the park’s award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Dollywood theme park is open daily from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. during the Harvest Festival.
For more information about Dollywood’s Harvest Festival please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
-Dollywood2025-
About Dollywood Parks & Resorts: A highly awarded and widely recognized leader in the amusement industry, Dollywood Parks & Resorts—which celebrates its 40th anniversary season in 2025—consists of the 165-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; and two award-winning resort properties: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of 64 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 28 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment. The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and earned the Golden Ticket Award for the Best Park in the world in 2023. In 2022 and 2024, Dollywood was named by Tripadvisor as the #1 theme park in the country based on actual guest reviews. It also has been recognized as a top U.S. theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions. Dollywood is open mid-March through early January and offers rides and attractions, shows and crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and Tripadvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks, operates from mid-May to mid-September. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa as well as Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort provide guests with spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. For more information, visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.
Media Contacts:
Pete Owens: Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, (865) 428-9486, (865) 755-7972 or [email protected]
Wes Ramey: Public Relations Director, (865) 428-9484, (865) 640-3805 or [email protected]
Ellen Liston: Public Relations Manager, (865) 428-9629, (865) 919-7001 or [email protected]
Jennifer Webb: Sr. Publicist, (865) 428-9602, (865) 323-7584 or [email protected]
For B-roll, photography and more information, visit the Dollywood Media Room at http://www.dollywood.com/Media/Media-Room