Dollywood was never coasters—at least, not just about the roller coasters. Years before her namesake park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, became a reality, Dolly told journalist Barbara Walters that she dreamed of building a “Smoky Mountain fairy land,” something that could capture and celebrate the spirit of her Appalachian home.

Dolly Parton graced the January/February cover of Southern Living in honor of celebrating nearly 40 years since the opening of her theme park Dollywood in 1986 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.