Dollywood celebrates 50 years of 'I Will Always Love You' with star-studded concert series
Dolly Parton's timeless hit "I Will Always Love You" marks its 50th anniversary this year, and Dollywood is celebrating in a big way.
From March 11 through April 8, the Tennessee theme park will host an all-new "I Will Always Love You Celebration" highlighting the power of songwriting and songs.
Each Saturday, guests will be able to see a different award-winning artist perform as part of the celebration's Celebrity Concert Series. They'll also be able to hear directly from acclaimed songwriters like Dana Black, who wrote George Strait's "Check Yes or No" and "Write this Down," Billy Montana, who co-wrote "Suds in the Bucket" for Sara Evans, and Steve Dean, who co-wrote Reba McEntire's "Walk On." There will also be special food, decor and merchandise for the event.
Here's what Dollywood guests should know.
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Who's performing at Dollywood?
March 11 - Natalie Grant.
March 18 - Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.
March 25 - Jo Dee Messina.
April 1 - Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers.
April 8 - Lauren Alaina.
The concerts are included with admission to the park.
"It's humbling to be a part of such a beautiful celebration," Messina said in a statement. "This isn't just a show; it's inclusion in celebrating a huge part of musical history. 'I Will Always Love You' has crossed the lines of musical genres, has transcended throughout generations, and has impacted people worldwide. Dang, Dolly, that's amazing!"
Alaina called Parton the "best artist/songwriter of all time" and an inspiration throughout her own life.
"Dolly is a legend, an icon and pure class," she said. "I would celebrate her any time."
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How much does it cost to get into Dollywood?
One-day theme park tickets cost $89 per adult. The daily rate goes down as more days are added to the ticket.
Like many other theme parks, Dollywood considers guests age 10 and up adults for admission. Discounts are available for younger children and seniors. Entry for kids under age 4 is free, and free Pre-K Imagination Passes are available for kids born in 2018 and 2019.
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Can Dollywood be done in one day?
Yes, but you won't be able to do everything. Beyond this event, there are more than 50 attractions across the 160-acre park in addition to ongoing entertainment offerings.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dollywood pays tribute to 'I Will Always Love You' with concert series
