Dolly Parton graced the January/February cover of Southern Living in honor of celebrating nearly 40 years since the opening of her theme park Dollywood in 1986 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Dollywood was never coasters—at least, not just about the roller coasters. Years before her namesake park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, became a reality, Dolly told journalist Barbara Walters that she dreamed of building a “Smoky Mountain fairy land,” something that could capture and celebrate the spirit of her Appalachian home.

"My favorite thing to eat at Dollywood is everything," Dolly told Southern Living with a chuckle. But if she had to pick, she goes for the famous funnel cakes. "Even if I'm in my bus or the Dolly suite,