Hall of fame country music singer Dolly Parton is expanding her Dollywood theme park according to USA Today.
"This actually worked out better," Parton told USA Today after its expansion plans were announced Wednesday. "At least we can totally focus on this. It would have been great if (the snow and water park) could have happened and someday down the line, I'll do something in Nashville. God does have his ways."
According to USA Today, the plans call for a 10-year, $300 million expansion for the park located in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
The FireChaser Express, a family-friendly roller coaster is expected to be added to the park next year. Parton will then add a 300-room, 100-acre Dollywood DreamMore resort for opening in the summer of 2015 is what Parton said has always been a dream of hers since the property was named after her 28 years ago the USA Today reported.
"The timing felt great and when the resort opens in the summer of 2015, it's going to be our 30th anniversary," she said. "We couldn't have a nicer present."
The park was originally going to be a $50 million snow and water park, but things didn't work out last fall when Gaylord Entertainment Company sold its management rights for its Opryland Resort and Convention Center to Marriott International allowing Parton to focus her attention on her resort idea USA Today reported.
According to USA Today, the company will spend more money over the next 10 years than it ever has since it was established in 1986.
"It's the bigger scope of these attractions that we'll be adding that's different," Dollywood Company president Craig Ross told USA Today.
The property will feature more rides and shows.
"They wanted to base (the resort) on what people perceive me to be, the country girl that's made good but still loves being home," Parton said. "We definitely wanted to keep it with a down-home atmosphere, but we wanted it to have some class and some glamor. It is a lot of fun. It is the ultimate dollhouse -Dolly's dollhouse."
Construction is expected to begin soon.
