Dollywood Parks & Resorts has added another prestigious accolade to its growing list of achievements in 2026, earning a place on Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women 2026 list. The recognition stands out even more because Dollywood is the only theme park company included among this year’s honorees.

The latest award highlights the East Tennessee destination’s reputation not only as one of America’s top vacation spots but also as one of the country’s leading workplaces. Forbes based its rankings on surveys conducted over the last three years, gathering feedback from more than 140,000 women employed by U.S. companies and institutions with at least 1,000 employees.

Forbes Evaluated Workplace Culture Beyond Salary

Forbes’ rankings examined several factors that shape the employee experience. Participants evaluated employers on areas including pay equity, career advancement opportunities, parental leave, work-life balance, childcare and eldercare benefits, and how companies respond to discrimination and sexual misconduct concerns. Researchers also considered the percentage of women serving in executive leadership and on corporate boards.

Dollywood was recognized within the Travel & Leisure category alongside globally recognized hospitality brands including Expedia, Hyatt Hotels, Hilton, Marriott, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Hard Rock International and Live Nation.

Being the only theme park operator, it underscores Dollywood’s unique position within the attractions industry.

Another Major Honor in an Award-Filled Year

The Forbes recognition continues what has been an exceptional year for Dollywood Parks & Resorts.

Earlier this year, Newsweek named the company one of America’s Best Workplaces for Women 2026. Additional honors in 2026 include recognition as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces, one of the Best Workplaces for Entry-Level Employees, and inclusion on TIME’s Best American Private Companies list.

Those accolades complement Dollywood’s longstanding reputation within the tourism industry. The Pigeon Forge destination has earned dozens of Golden Ticket Awards and Brass Ring Awards while also being recognized multiple times by Tripadvisor as America’s top-rated theme park based on guest reviews.

Employee Benefits Help Set Dollywood Apart

Dollywood credits much of its workplace success to a benefits package designed to support employees both professionally and personally.

Among its most notable offerings is 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U education program. Eligible employees also have access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, complimentary park admission for family and friends, free meals during work shifts, childcare assistance through participating providers, and professional development opportunities, including apprenticeship programs in partnership with Walters State Community College.

Qualified full-time employees also receive medical, dental and vision coverage.

Hiring Events Scheduled Throughout August

The recognition comes as Dollywood continues hiring for a variety of positions across its parks and resort properties.

Weekly hiring events are scheduled each Thursday in August from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Sevierville Civic Center. An additional hiring event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.

Applicants are encouraged to attend early in the hiring cycle to have access to the widest selection of available positions.

Situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood Parks & Resorts includes the 165-acre Dollywood theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, DreamMore Resort and Spa, and HeartSong Lodge & Resort. The destination continues to pair nationally recognized guest experiences with a workplace culture that is earning equal recognition from some of the country’s most respected organizations.

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