The Volunteer State has produced an incredible number of talented musicians, but there’s no one else celebrated quite like Dolly Parton. Tennessee loves Dolly, and Dolly loves Tennessee.
In fact, it would be impossible to list all the ways Parton has given back to Tennessee. From her Imagination Library which sends young children a free book each month to donating relief money after the 2016 East Tennessee wildfires, her philanthropy reaches far and wide.
Tennessee is an integral part of the country singer’s identity. Parton’s life may be glitzy and glamorous now, but she hasn’t forgotten her humble upbringing in her “Tennessee Mountain Home” even after winning 12 Grammys.
For dedicated fans, there’s no better homage to the singer than to take a Dolly Parton pilgrimage and discover all the cool attractions in Tennessee.
As a Tennessee local and Dolly Parton fan myself, I have all the details you need to visit Dolly Parton landmarks in the state – whether you’re heading to Nashville, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville.
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13 Dolly Parton Landmarks to Visit in Tennessee
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $29.95 adults, discounts for youth
Dolly Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and you can see her plaque on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.
The museum has the largest collection of country music artifacts anywhere in the world. So much so that it’s not possible to have everything on display and exhibits are periodically switched out. The museum is a must-visit for country music fans.
Music City Walk of Fame Park
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Free
Fans can find another tribute to Dolly Parton at the Walk of Fame Park right across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The park features stars honoring important members of the music industry including Dolly. In a city that can get expensive quickly, visiting the Walk of Fame Park is one of the best free Nashville activities.
Graduate Nashville
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a room at the Graduate Nashville
Parton doesn’t own a hotel in Nashville…at least not yet. It’s reported that she’s recently bought a property to turn into a hotel.
Until then, fans will love the Graduate Nashville, a glitzy hotel that is fun, pink, and a bit over-the-top. The rooftop bar, called White Limozeen, is even Dolly Parton-inspired. I enjoyed my stay so much that I wrote an entire review of the Graduate Nashville with everything you need to know about the property.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
📍 Google Maps | Website
The iconic Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has hosted plenty of talent over the years both on the stage and at the bar. The honkytonk has multiple stages where all kinds of singers have performed including Dolly Parton. Parton hasn’t sung at Tootsie’s in years, but the beloved honkytonk is still a great place to go to listen to live music.
Ryman Auditorium
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Ticket prices vary
When Parton was little she dreamed of performing on the Grand Ole Opry which, at the time, was recorded in the Ryman Auditorium. Parton’s dream came true when she joined the Opry in the 1960s.
The singer rarely has concerts in Nashville, but if you’re able to snag a ticket to see Parton perform in the “Mother Church of Country Music,” it will absolutely be an unforgettable experience.
Grand Ole Opry House
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Ticket prices vary
Dolly Parton first performed on the Grand Ole Opry when she was just 10 years old. The show has since moved from the Ryman to its own building called the Grand Ole Opry House in Music Valley. The venue is one of the best places to see live music in Nashville.
Today, you can catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry or take a backstage tour. There are multiple tours available, but as a Dolly fan, you’ll likely enjoy the Women of Country Tour the best. It includes mimosas and petit fours while you learn about the iconic women of country music.
Tennessee State Museum
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Free
As you can imagine based on the name, the Tennessee State Museum is all about Tennessee’s history – including its musical history. There are only two Parton-related items on display here, but since entrance to the Nashville museum is free, there’s no reason to skip it.
Plus, you’ll get an idea of just how tiny Parton is when you see her outfit. A lot of personality is packed into just 5 feet!
Dollywood
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $92 adults, discounts for children and seniors
While some celebrities own restaurants or bars, Dolly Parton is the co-owner of an entire theme park based around the Smoky Mountains and Appalachian culture. Dollywood celebrates the best parts of Tennessee from delicious food like the crowd-favorite cinnamon bread to artisans who create hand-blown glass, leather, and other local crafts.
Parton fans will especially enjoy The Dolly Parton Experience opening in spring 2024. This attraction replaces the Chasing Rainbow Museum and is packed with exhibits about Parton’s history and career. I was able to see some of Parton’s iconic wardrobe items when they were temporarily on exhibit at Vanderbilt University, and those alone are worth seeing.
Note that Dollywood is closed most of January and February and reopens in early March each year.
DreamMore Resort & Spa
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a room at the DreamMore Resort & Spa
The DreamMore Resort & Spa is just a couple of miles from Dollywood, and there’s a complimentary trolley for guests who visit the theme park. However, you don’t have to visit Dollywood to enjoy this resort. With two pools, multiple restaurants, and a spa, the resort is the perfect accommodation for a mountain getaway.
For a special experience, you can even book the Dolly Suite 1986. This is the motorcoach that Parton has used for the past 15 years. Up to two guests can stay in the tour bus where some of Parton’s most recent hits were written.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $69.99+ for adults
There’s no denying that Dolly Parton knows how to put on a show, so you can expect to be entertained when you visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede. The dinner show features musical performances, horse-riding stunts, and an aerial performance. Parton herself isn’t at the show, but you do get to hear an original song written and sung by the star.
Plus, the food is also really good. You get homemade biscuits, rotisserie chicken, and pork loin along with a flaky apple turnover and more. I definitely did not leave the show hungry!
HeartSong Lodge & Resort
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a room at the HeartSong Lodge & Resort
The Great Smoky Mountains were a huge part of Parton’s childhood, and so they’re the star at her newest hotel, the HeartSong Lodge & Resort. The lobby is a 4-story atrium with beautiful views of the mountains.
While you can easily get to Dollywood on one of the complimentary trolleys, the balconies in most rooms invite guests to linger and enjoy the scenery. There is also plenty of Parton memorabilia here including the hand-written lyrics to “9-to-5.”
Dolly Parton Statue
📍 Google Maps | Cost: Free
Parton’s hometown pays tribute to its most famous resident with this statue. Sevierville doesn’t have the same major Dolly Parton attractions as the nearby Pigeon Forge, but this simple statue fits right in with the rest of the quaint Tennessee town. Sometimes, you may have to wait to take a photo with the statue because it’s a popular spot.
Wings of Wander Mural
📍 Google Maps | Cost: Free
Dolly Parton loves butterflies, and the winged insects have become her “symbol.” She even wrote the song “Love is Like a Butterfly.” So, it’s only fitting that Parton fans take a photo with the Wings of Wander Mural in Downtown Sevierville. The mural was painted by local artist Pinkie Mistry.
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Thanks for reading my guide to the best Dolly Parton landmarks in Tennessee. To prepare for your trip, read more about the best spots to visit in Tennessee.
(Featured Image Credit: Hannah Henderson / Shutterstock)
