James Rogers and Dolly Parton
photo by Pete Owens
James Rogers opened Dollywood 2025 on Friday. Mr. Rogers helps Chattanoogans with Veterans of Vietnam War.
Mr. Rogers said, "It was an honor to be asked to participate in the grand opening for Dollywood 2025. I was asked to perform a couple of songs and to introduce Dolly. I chose “My Ole Friend” and “Fly Eagle Fly”, because I knew I would see a lot of my ole friends there, and of course, Fly Eagle Fly is my signature song.
"Challenger (the eagle) came out on stage as I did my closing song. Challenger and I both were there representing the American Eagle Foundation. Challenger will be on Park at the Eagle stage all summer. He has become the most famous eagle in the world and I sincerely hope everyone will make an effort to go see him this year.
"As Board president of the American Eagle Foundation I want to thank Dollywood for all of their extra effort in helping the foundation through the years and with many renovations and upgrades to our on park facilities for this 40th anniversary season. It is going to be a great year for the American Eagle Foundation.
"Dolly Parton never ceases to amaze me. All of us know the personal loss she has suffered over the last few weeks. But Dolly in her grief would rather work and be close to others than to sit around and mourn. She did not disappoint the audience. She thrilled them as she always does.
"She looked and sounded great and her kindness towards me and those around her never wavers. She is a superstar and it was an honor to catch up with her and to say 'Hello' to so many of my old friends at Dollywood.
"A special Thank You goes to my friend Pete Owens of Dollywood who took this picture of Dolly and I backstage just after our performance. Thank you, Kay Watson (Alzheimer’s Tennessee), for the onstage shot.
"Thank you to all the thousands who attended the event and to all of you who watched on social media."
James Rogers singing at Dollywood 2025
photo by Kay Watson