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Tennessee is home to many incredible places, from Music City and Graceland to rolling hills and mountains. Now, it can add a new moniker: home of the best theme park in the country.
Dollywood received the top honor for the 2022 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards by Tripadvisor on Tuesday (June 14), being named the best theme park in the United States and the eighth best in the entire world, per FOX 17. According to the list, country music legend and Tennessee treasure Dolly Parton's theme park received higher ratings and reviews from May 1, 2021, through April 30, 2022, beating out other popular parks like Universal Studios and Disney World's Magic Kingdom to claim the top spot.
"I'm so proud of the work my people do to make Dollywood such a great place for families," said Parton. "When I started dreaming up Dollywood all those years ago, I hoped it would be somewhere folks were excited to come visit and enjoy time together. To hear that they are leaving so many positive comments about their time here really shows what we're doing is working. In the current world, I want Dollywood to be a place where the light shines every day."
President of the Dollywood Company Eugene Naughton was proud of the award, adding that the Travelers' Choice awards are based on actual reviews from satisfied guests.
"It is extremely gratifying to see this recognition for the effort our hosts give to ensure our guests have an unforgettable time while they are here," said Naughton.
Last year, Dollywood made headlines and gained even more praise after announcing they would cover employee's tuition, fees and books for those wishing to further their education. They were even recognized by Forbes as one of the best places to work in the country.