March 18, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET
When fans see Dolly Parton at Dollywood, some cheer and wave or scream, “We love you, Dolly!” Others are simply left speechless and in tears seeing the Queen of Dollywood.
With pink butterflies painted on her face, Grace Johnson was overcome with emotion seeing Parton pass by during a parade at Dollywood on March 13, opening day for the park’s 41st season.
The 8-year-old’s adorable reaction was caught on video by her mom, who shared it on TikTok. Although those around her are cheering and showing Parton much adoration, all the tiny Parton fan could do was stare in awe.
“Grace has had a love for Dolly since she was a baby, this was a dream come true for her!” Johnson’s mom, Brandy Castro, on TikTok. The video had gotten 70,000 views as of March 17.
Not only was seeing Parton a surprise for Johnson, but the entire trip was, too, until she entered the Dollywood gates with her family.
“We drove up to Pigeon Forge Thursday night & surprised her by telling her she would be out of school Friday, but she had no clue about Dollywood!” Castro told Knox News in a direct message via TikTok.
Parton was at Dollywood that day to kick off the theme park’s 2026 season. The special parade through the park only happens when Parton is at Dollywood.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com.
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