The conference also turned toward one of Tennessee’s most recognizable tourism ambassadors: Dolly Parton.
Lee said Parton’s influence on Tennessee tourism is difficult to duplicate and pointed to the continued development of attractions and experiences associated with her career.
“There’s never going to be another Dolly,” Lee said.
Parton’s influence stretches from Dollywood in East Tennessee to the SongTeller Hotel in Nashville and projects connected to her hometown of Sevierville.
Lee said Parton and her partners have been intentional about preserving her legacy while continuing to develop new experiences for visitors.
“Dolly and them made an intentional effort to keep on making sure that her legacy and her places to visit would be preserved and would be able to grow,” Lee said.
WATCH: SEE HOW DOLLYWOOD PLANS TO HONOR DOLLY PARTON’S LEGACY ON PARK
He pointed to additional Dolly-related tourism opportunities, including the expansion of experiences at Dollywood and efforts to bring her story to audiences outside Tennessee.
“You’re going to see Dolly honored and remembered and visited for decades to come,” Lee said.
For Tennessee’s tourism industry, the conference closed with record visitor spending, continued investment and an emphasis on maintaining the experiences that bring people to the state — from the mountains of East Tennessee to the music, food and attractions found across all 95 counties.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development says tourism generated $3.3 billion in combined state and local tax revenue in 2025, highlighting the industry’s broader economic impact beyond individual tourism businesses.
READ ON – Gov. Bill Lee Reflects on Dolly Parton’s Lasting Impact on Tennessee Tourism
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