9 Shocking New Projects: What Is Dolly Parton Doing Now In 2025?
Dolly Parton is a force of nature who proves that age truly is just a number, with the country music legend turning 79 and declaring she’s “just getting started” as of late 2025. The global superstar is currently navigating one of the busiest phases of her career, balancing new music, major awards, a Las Vegas residency, and a slate of ambitious theatrical and philanthropic projects that are keeping her in the headlines. Her schedule for the end of 2025 and into 2026 is packed with fresh content, proving her reign as the Queen of Country is stronger than ever.
This article dives deep into the most current and updated information on Dolly Parton’s life, including her new album releases, surprising health challenges, and the monumental business moves that are shaping her legacy in the current year. From the stage to the silver screen and even to a new line of travel stops, here is the definitive look at what Dolly Parton is doing right now.
Dolly Parton: The Icon's Latest Biography & Key 2025 Milestones
- Full Name: Dolly Rebecca Parton
- Date of Birth: January 19, 1946
- Age (as of late 2025): 79
- Hometown: Sevierville, Tennessee
- Spouse: Carl Dean (m. 1966)
- Current Status: Active singer-songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman, and humanitarian.
- Recent Major Award (2025): Honorary Academy Award (Oscar) at the Governors Awards in November 2025.
- Recent Induction (2025): IAAPA Hall of Fame (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions).
- Latest Studio Album: Rockstar (Released November 17, 2023)
- New 2025 Album/Docuseries: Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA.
The 9 Biggest Dolly Parton Projects Dominating 2025
Dolly Parton’s work ethic is legendary, and 2025 is a testament to her unstoppable drive. Her focus spans music, live performance, business, and a deep dive into her own family history, ensuring her brand remains dynamic and ever-present.
1. The Highly Anticipated ‘Smoky Mountain DNA’ Album & Docuseries
One of the most exciting developments is the upcoming release of the album and four-part docuseries, Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA. This project is a deeply personal exploration of her rich family heritage, featuring performances filmed at Knoxville’s historic Bijou Theatre. Released through Owepar Entertainment, the album is a unique look into the roots that shaped one of music's biggest stars. This project is a significant follow-up to her massive 2023 rock album, Rockstar.
2. A Major Las Vegas Residency
The latter part of 2025 is scheduled to see the country icon taking the stage for a highly anticipated Las Vegas residency. This series of performances will allow fans to see the legendary performer live, showcasing her timeless hits and newer material. The residency is a key component of her busy performance schedule for the year.
3. Receiving an Honorary Academy Award (Oscar)
In a major career milestone, Dolly Parton was honored with an Honorary Oscar at the 2025 Governors Awards in November. This prestigious award recognizes her indelible contributions to the world of film and entertainment, adding a golden statue to her already overflowing shelf of accolades, which includes 11 Grammy Awards.
4. The New Orchestral Show: ‘Threads: My Songs in Symphony’
Dolly is bringing her music to a new medium with the orchestral show, Threads: My Songs in Symphony. The show premiered with the Nashville Symphony in 2025 and is already slated to continue its run into 2026. This project reinterprets her classic songs through a symphonic lens, offering fans a fresh, sophisticated take on her iconic catalog.
5. Premiere of an Original Musical at Belmont
The theatrical world is also a major focus for Dolly. In January 2025, she premiered an original musical at Belmont’s Fisher Center. This new work, alongside the national tour of her holiday production, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, highlights her growing influence in Broadway and regional theater.
6. Dollywood’s 40th Season Celebration Album
Dollywood, her beloved theme park, is celebrating its 40th season in 2025. To mark the milestone, Dolly released a new compilation album in May 2025 through her Butterfly Records label. This project celebrates the park's history and her deep connection to the Smoky Mountains region.
7. Leadership Transition and Philanthropy
In 2025, Dolly announced a significant leadership transition for her business and philanthropic ventures, including the Dollywood Foundation. This move, which saw the transition of long-time service from Ted Miller, ensures the longevity and continued success of her empire, including the world-renowned Imagination Library literacy program.
8. Battling Health Challenges While Staying Active
Despite her packed schedule, Dolly has been open about still battling "health challenges." This was evident when she missed the Dollywood induction ceremony into the IAAPA Hall of Fame in 2025. However, her commitment to her projects—from her Tennessean Travel Stops to her music—remains unwavering, with the star publicly stating she is far from slowing down.
9. The 'Journey of a Seeker' Exhibit
Fans can currently immerse themselves in the life and legacy of the star at the new museum exhibition, "Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker." The exhibit offers a deep dive into her career, providing a fresh perspective on her journey from humble beginnings to global stardom.
Dolly's Enduring Legacy: Why She Keeps Going
For a star approaching 80, Dolly Parton’s relentless pace is remarkable. Her current projects demonstrate a strategic vision focused on solidifying her legacy across multiple industries: music, film, theater, and theme parks. The release of family-focused projects like Smoky Mountain DNA and the continuing expansion of her business ventures, such as the Tennessean Travel Stops, show a commitment not just to performance, but to building a lasting economic and cultural foundation in her home state of Tennessee.
She continues to inspire millions with her positive outlook and her dedication to literacy through the Imagination Library, which has gifted over 200 million books worldwide. As she collects major awards like the Honorary Oscar and continues to create new content, Dolly Parton remains a living legend whose "now" is just as exciting as her storied past. Her ability to constantly reinvent herself while staying true to her roots is the secret to her enduring, global appeal.
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