Dolly Parton launching brand new rollercoaster at her beloved Dollywood

Dolly Parton is launching a new rollercoaster at her iconic theme park, Dollywood.

The 76-year-old country star and entrepreneur, who opened the world-class amusement park in her native Tennessee back in 1986, announced on Friday that a brand new ride called The Big Bear Mountain will be launching in 2023, reportedly costing a cool $25million (£20.7m).

Alongside a video teaser of the new ride, the Dollywood company teased: ‘Join Ned Oakley in Spring 2023 on our largest family adventure yet: Big Bear Mountain. This multi-launch coaster contains 3,990 ft. of track, expanding Wildwood Grove with a six-acre ride.

‘Prepare for things to get BIG by watching our exclusive first look at ride animation.’

According to a press release, the Big Bear Mountain ride will feature ‘three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns, and tunnels, including a pass behind a waterfall’, because of course chart-topper Dolly doesn’t do things by halves.

The Jolene hitmaker, who previously revealed she avoids riding her own rollercoasters over the fear of losing her hair – ‘And God knows what else will fall out on me!’ – took to social media to express her ‘excitement’ that fans will be able to travel the Smoky Mountains themselves via the ride.

In February, a new initiative was announced whereby Dollywood employees would be eligible to have their college fees and expenses paid for by the company.

The singer – who has finally accepted her nomination to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – is also busy preparing to hit the big screen once more as she appears in the upcoming film adaptation of her book with James Patterson, Run, Rose, Run.

Reese Witherspoon’s company Hello Sunshine and Sony Pictures are producing the adaptation of the New York Times best-seller.

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