8-Year-Old Meets Dolly Parton at Dollywood in Heartwarming Surprise Encounter

It was a moment to remember at Dollywood on March 14 when eight-year-old Owen Ramey laid eyes on the legendary Dolly Parton during the park’s opening day parade. As she passed by in her carriage, Owen’s priceless reaction-a mix of wide-eyed wonder and ecstatic shouts-was captured on video by his stepmother, April. The clip quickly became a viral sensation, racking up more than six million views on TikTok and winning the hearts of Dolly fans worldwide.

Owen, who has been visiting Dollywood since the age of three, couldn’t contain his excitement as Parton herself pointed at him from the parade float. For a boy who loves every aspect of the park, from roller coasters to stays at the DreamMore Resort, seeing Dolly in real life was a dream come true. “He realized, ‘WOW, she’s real!”” recalled Owen’s father, Jordan.

What started as a family outing turned into an internet phenomenon. Comments flooded in from big-name brands and fans alike, with companies like Spotify and Visa chiming in to say Owen’s reaction was not just valid, but perfect. From quips like, “At least he remained calm,” to heartfelt responses about how they’d feel the same meeting Dolly, the online community embraced the moment with enthusiasm.

Though Dolly Parton herself has yet to reach out, the Ramey family remains hopeful. For now, they’re reveling in the joy their video has brought to so many, and Jordan has simple advice for other parents: “Let your kids enjoy being a kid and always have your camera ready to capture unexpected moments.”