The IAAPA Hall of Fame recently announced their 2025 inductees. Among them is music legend Dolly Parton, who partnered with Herschend Family Entertainment in 1986 to bring Dollywood to life.
“Her passion, investment and commitment to her Smoky Mountain roots have helped Dollywood more than double in size, now welcoming millions of guests each year,” IAAPA wrote.
Other inductees include: Keith James, a 50-year veteran who began his career early on with Taft Broadcasting and Kings Entertainment before joining Universal Studios Orlando in various production roles; Gerardo Arteaga Oehninger, the trailblazer behind Fantasilandia in Chile and the Happyland family entertainment center chain; Gary S. Wachs, a “visionary leader in the attractions industry who was instrumental in shaping some of North America’s most iconic parks”; and Su Zhigang, the founder and chairman of Chimelong Group, which has “redefined the scale and ambition of attractions in Asia, with influence reaching audiences around the world.”
A full bio on each inductee is available at www.iaapa.org. They will be formally inducted on Nov. 17 during this year’s IAAPA Legends: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair.