I thought I couldn't love Dolly more—and then I learned this.
This Is Dolly Parton’s #1 Favorite Thing to Eat at Dollywood
Published on Jan. 20, 2025
There’s a whole lot to love about the one and only Dolly Parton. She has graced us all with music, style and sass since the 1950s. Whether she’s playing songs on her acrylic nails or serving up southern recipes, Dolly is an icon! That’s why we need all the details about her personal Dollywood experience.
Dollywood opened in 1986, but the original park on that site, Rebel Railroad, opened in 1961. Dolly has always said that if she ever got big, she wanted to come back home and do something for her community. She did exactly that by more than doubling the size of the amusement park, which now has more than 4,000 employees.
What does Dolly Parton love to eat at Dollywood?
It’s her Crossroads Funnel Cakes! While the park has all kinds of famous foods to sample and savor, Dolly can’t live without the park’s sweet fried dough. “Even if I’m in my bus or The Dolly Suite, I say, ‘Run get me some funnel cakes. I can’t leave here without funnel cakes,'” Dolly said in an interview with Southern Living. As a funnel cake enthusiast myself, I can tell Dolly has exquisite taste.
We love a simple funnel cake, but Dollywood has more to offer. You can add toppings like Oreos, strawberries, apple pie filling and whipped cream. You can snag seasonal favorites like red velvet and pumpkin funnel cake, too. Dolly once showcased her own funnel cake-making talents with Dollywood’s Lavender Honey Funnel Cake on Good Morning America!
Is there a recipe for Dollywood’s funnel cakes?
Chef Matthew Poorman of Dollywood shared this official recipe last year for the good of all people. We can’t thank him enough. Dollywood celebration, here we come!
