- 286 words
March 18, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET
When fans see Dolly Parton at Dollywood, some cheer and wave or scream, “We love you, Dolly!” Others are simply left speechless and in tears seeing the Queen of Dollywood.
With pink butterflies painted on her face, Grace Johnson was overcome with emotion seeing Parton pass by during a parade at Dollywood on March 13, opening day for the park’s 41st season.
The 8-year-old’s adorable reaction was caught on video by her mom, who shared it on TikTok. Although those around her are cheering and showing Parton much adoration, all the tiny Parton fan could do was stare in awe.
“Grace has had a love for Dolly since she was a baby, this was a dream come true for her!” Johnson’s mom, Brandy Castro, on TikTok. The video had gotten 70,000 views as of March 17.
Not only was seeing Parton a surprise for Johnson, but the entire trip was, too, until she entered the Dollywood gates with her family.
“We drove up to Pigeon Forge Thursday night & surprised her by telling her she would be out of school Friday, but she had no clue about Dollywood!” Castro told Knox News in a direct message via TikTok.
Parton was at Dollywood that day to kick off the theme park’s 2026 season. The special parade through the park only happens when Parton is at Dollywood.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
Author
Related Posts
Powerball jackpot winner announced, winning ticket sold in Delaware
April 7, 2026, 7:51 a.m. ET Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner! One lucky lottery player became a millionaire overnight after...
Read out all
Anthony Davis airs grievances about end of Lakers, Pelicans tenures in Draymond Green podcast
Say this for Anthony Davis: When his tenure ends with an NBA team, it’s usually a memorable event. The 10-time All-Star appeared...
Read out all
Israel's continued strikes in Lebanon putting strain on fragile US-Iran ceasefire – BBC
Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon putting strain on fragile US-Iran ceasefire BBC Iran war live: Lebanon mourns as Israel raids shake Trump, Tehran...
Read out all
Jim Whittaker, WA mountaineer who was first American to summit Everest, dies at 97
Jim Whittaker, a Seattle-born and -raised mountaineer who achieved legendary status when he became the first American to summit the world’s tallest...
Read out all
Pooh Shiesty set for Dallas federal court hearing following Gucci Mane kidnapping and robbery arrest
Pooh Shiesty to appear in Dallas court this week Rapper Pooh Shiesty will appear in federal court in Dallas on Wednesday to...
Read out all
Middle East crisis live: Hegseth gives press briefing as Trump claims Iran will stop uranium enrichment – The Guardian
Middle East crisis live: Hegseth gives press briefing as Trump claims Iran will stop uranium enrichment The Guardian Live: Trump Agrees to Two-Week...
Read out all