For the Love of Dolly: 7 Ways to Celebrate Her Legacy
Few stars have left their mark on the South quite like Dolly Parton. From places tied to her story to events celebrating her music, here’s where you can experience and honor her legacy. Image: Facebook
Dolly Parton was deeply rooted in the beauty, hospitality, and music of the Tennessee mountains, but her talent, heart, and personality sparkled far beyond the South. Whether you want to celebrate Dolly through her music, her iconic style, or her inspiring life and generosity, there’s a Dolly destination for every type of fan. So pack your best glittery garb, get your playlist cued up, and set out on your own Dolly-inspired adventure!
Stay at Dolly’s Brand-New Nashville Hotel
Location: Nashville, TN
More Info: songtellerhotel.com
Open since September 29, the SongTeller Hotel is Dolly’s love letter to the city that made her a star. While there is so much to explore throughout Music City that celebrates the Tennessee-born legend, the SongTeller offers a one-stop immersive experience in the heart of downtown.
Every room, every motif, and every last detail in this luxurious boutique hotel is quintessentially Dolly. Check out the live entertainment and events on Parton’s Live stage and end the day with a nightcap at Jolene’s lounge. The SongTeller is also home to the new Life of Many Colors Museum, the largest exhibit of Dolly’s life and work to date.
Of course, Dolly’s legacy glitters throughout Nashville. Stop by the Grand Ole Opry (a place she called the “church of my heart”), the Country Music Hall of Fame (where she was inducted in 1999), and the Ryman Auditorium (where Johnny Cash introduced “A little girl from East Tennessee” to the world in 1959) to pay your respects to the Queen of Country.
Cheer on (or Join!) the Krewe of Dolly in NOLA
Location: New Orleans, LA
More Info: thekreweofdolly.org
New Orleans’ famed Krewe of Dolly is a nonprofit organization unlike any other. Founded in 2020, the Carnival Krewe partners with Dolly’s Imagination Library to deliver free books to more than 3,500 children throughout Orleans Parish each month.
But they also have a blast celebrating their beloved icon by participating in parades and local events in their Dolly-inspired style, donning wigs, rhinestones, and even guitars to share her sparkle wherever they go. According to their website, Krewe membership will open again in late summer 2027.
Road tripping to NOLA? Consider breaking up your trip with a stay at the Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The historic house was the site of the Eatenton home in the 1989 film and is a stop along the Steel Magnolias film trail around town, which includes Truvy’s (Dolly’s character) church, home, and salon.
Catch the Debut Run of Dolly on Broadway
Location: New York City, NY
More Info: dollymusical.com
After a dazzling debut in Nashville last year, Dolly: A True Original Musical is heading to Broadway this December. The show tells Dolly’s life story through brand new songs written by Dolly herself, along with her greatest hits, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5.”
Of the show, Dolly said, “My whole life has been a musical … I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it!” Previews begin December 7 at the St. James Theatre.
If you can’t make it to NYC, you can catch a local production of Dolly’s other hit musical, 9 to 5. Find a performance near you here.
Make a Commemorative Dollywood Pilgrimage
Location: Pigeon Forge, TN
More Info: dollywood.com
Following Dolly’s passing, Dollywood announced plans for permanent fixtures and tributes throughout the park to honor the life and legacy of its Dreamer-in-Chief. There is so much to do at Dollywood, and the Dolly Experience is an absolute must for a commemorative pilgrimage.
Take in her story, songs, and style through interactive exhibits, and enjoy live performances in the Heartsong Theater. Be sure to also stop by Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home, a replica of the humble childhood home she shared with her parents and 11 siblings.
Now is a great time to go to Dollywood — the park’s annual Harvest Festival is on through October 31, followed by its Smoky Mountain Christmas from November 6 through January 3, 2027. Plus, the park just opened a brand new attraction: NightFlight Expedition. The first-of-its-kind immersive indoor coaster takes passengers on a journey exploring the beauty and wilderness of the Smokies and the South.
The sprawling Dollywood acreage includes two luxurious accommodation options — the HeartSong Lodge and Resort and the DreamMore Resort and Spa. At the DreamMore, you can even book an overnight stay aboard Suite 1986, Dolly’s tour bus from 2008 to 2022.
Explore Sevierville and the Smokies
Location: Sevierville, TN
More Info: indollysfootsteps.com
Before you leave Pigeon Forge, make sure to take the short drive up to the charming town of Sevierville, where Dolly grew up. On October 16, the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce is debuting its “In Dolly’s Footsteps” self-guided walking tour to soak up all the sights and stories that shaped her early years.
One must-visit stop is The Pines Downtown, a family-friendly entertainment spot where 10-year-old Dolly performed her first paid gig back when it was The Pines Theatre.
There are also several photo opportunities around town, including the “Wings of Wander” mural on Bruce Street and the gorgeous bronze Dolly Parton Statue on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn.
Though not open to visitors, The Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library headquarters are also located in town. As you sense the palpable legacy of Dolly’s generosity throughout Sevierville, check out the Imagination Library website for ways to donate and get involved.
The Great Smoky Mountains were every bit as integral to Dolly’s upbringing as Sevierville. In honor of the Smoky Mountain songbird, get out and explore the breathtaking landscapes that inspired some of Dolly’s most iconic songs. Take a drive out to rural Locust Ridge, Dolly’s “Tennessee Mountain Home,” and experience for yourself that “life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh.”
Take a Load Off at Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop
Location: Cornersville, TN
More Info: dollystravelstops.com
Need to stop and fuel up during your Dolly pilgrimage? Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop makes the perfect pit stop, and in true Dolly fashion, it’s a fabulous destination in and of itself. Enjoy a cup of joe from Cup of Ambition Coffee, grab some DLY BBQ, and take a load off on the patio, in the lounge or at the full-service Southern restaurant.
Even your pup can get some reprieve out at the Doggy Parton dog park. There’s also a main stage and event space with a calendar of events and entertainment lined up, and don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the mural and the Dolly-inspired tour bus out back.
Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is located right off I-65 in Cornersville, Tennessee.
Experience Dolly’s Greatest Hits In Symphony
Location: Touring this fall in Missouri, Tennessee, Washington, Texas, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
More Info: dollysymphony.com
Want to experience Dolly’s music like never before? Threads: My Songs in Symphony combines orchestrations of Dolly’s hits with incredible vocalists to celebrate her life and musical legacy. Dolly also makes video appearances throughout the show, guiding the audience through her catalog and sharing stories along the way.
The show has a few more tour dates scheduled this fall, with more (we hope!) to follow. You can check out the schedule of upcoming shows here.
However you choose to celebrate Dolly, take a little of her advice with you: “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
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Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.
