PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WOKI) — Dollywood Parks & Resorts has received national recognition for its commitment to supporting employees and their families, earning a spot on Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families for 2026.
The honor is the latest in a series of workplace awards for the East Tennessee company and recognizes employers that provide meaningful support for working parents and caregivers.
According to Newsweek, the rankings were based on a nationwide study conducted between April and October 2025 that included surveys, independent research, third-party data and company reviews from more than 100,000 working parents. The broader effort included feedback from more than 300,000 working parents between 2022 and 2025.
Newsweek said the ranking recognizes organizations that provide flexibility, inclusion and support systems that help employees balance their professional and family responsibilities.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton said caring for employees and their families has always been a cornerstone of the company’s culture.
“At Dollywood, we believe that taking care of our hosts begins with helping them take care of the people who matter most to them, their families,” Naughton said.
“When our hosts know they have the support they need at work and at home, they can focus on creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Dollywood was included in the publication’s Entertainment Providers category alongside nationally recognized companies including Cinemark, Sony and Topgolf.
The company points to several family-focused benefits available to employees, known as “hosts,” including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, complimentary admission for family and friends, free meals during work shifts and discounted admission to regional attractions.
Qualified full-time employees are also eligible for medical, dental and vision insurance benefits. Dollywood additionally helps cover a portion of childcare expenses for employees whose children attend participating childcare providers.
The recognition comes as Dollywood continues an active hiring push ahead of its fall and holiday operating seasons. Hiring events are scheduled beginning July 30 and continuing each Thursday in August at the Sevierville Civic Center, with an additional event planned Aug. 8 at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.
Company officials say employment opportunities are available across Dollywood theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, DreamMore Resort and HeartSong Lodge.
The Newsweek honor adds to a growing list of recent accolades for Dollywood. Earlier this month, TIME included the company among the nation’s top privately held businesses, while Newsweek recently recognized Dollywood on its lists of America’s Greatest Workplaces and Tennessee’s Greatest Workplaces.
More information about careers with the company is available at dollywoodjobs.com, while details about the park’s 2026 season can be found at Dollywood.com.
