Dollywood Named Among America's Greatest Workplaces For Parents & Families

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) — Dollywood Parks & Resorts’ reputation as an exceptional workplace continues to earn national recognition, with its latest honor further reinforcing the company’s commitment to creating an environment where hosts thrive. Newsweek has included Dollywood on its list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families for 2026.

To compile the list, a comprehensive study was conducted from April 2025 to October 2025 and combined a large-scale national survey, third-party data, extensive research and company reviews from more than 100,000 working parents. With a caring culture, generous benefits, unparalleled company growth and numerous employment opportunities on the horizon, Dollywood employees—also known as hosts—understand firsthand why the company has received so much positive attention as an employer. 

According to Newsweek, “Families are at the center of how people live, work and define success, shaping priorities that extend far beyond the workplace. America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families recognizes employers that understand this reality and actively support employees navigating the balance between professional responsibilities and family life…the ranking highlights organizations that foster flexibility, inclusion and meaningful support systems for parents and caregivers. In today’s environment, work and family are not separate worlds but interconnected parts of a single lifestyle, and these companies stand out for honoring that connection in tangible, lasting ways.” 

Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton reiterated the importance of supporting hosts and their families. 

“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 explained. “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. That commitment to caring for one another has been part of our culture from the beginning, and it’s something we’re proud to continue every day.” 

The full list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families may be viewed HERE. Dollywood was included in the industry recognized as “Entertainment Providers.” Other companies in that grouping include Cinemark, Sony and Topgolf. 

Extensive research also took place to identify and verify additional key performance indicators related to workplace support for parents and caregivers. In addition to the study parameters mentioned previously, the survey also includes data considered from previous studies between 2022 and 2024 (included at a reduced weight). In total, more than 300,000 working parents were surveyed between 2022 and 2025, making these awards part of America’s largest independent employee studies focused on working families. The study is completely independent and unbiased; companies cannot apply, register or pay to be included in the study or influence their ranking through payment. 

Anyone interested in joining the award-winning team may view opportunities, as well as job descriptions and basic requirements for each position, at dollywoodjobs.com. Applicants can signify their interest in a position by following the online instructions to complete the application process. Several summer hiring events are set to occur over the coming weeks, with the first scheduled for Thursday, July 30. Additional hiring events are scheduled for each Thursday in August at the Sevierville Civic Center. Thursday hiring events take place from 2 – 6:30 p.m. A hiring event also is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. Applicants are encouraged to attend the earliest hiring event possible for the largest selection of available opportunities. 

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to many regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.