If you’re looking for travel inspiration like a Tennessee icon, then look no further than the ‘Queen of Country’ as Dolly Parton’s links to Tennessee are more visible than ever!

Who better to celebrate than Dolly Parton this International Woman's Day - a shining reminder that when women dream boldly, lead with heart, and lift others as they rise, they can change the world! Maybe we should all 'Be More Dolly!' 

Dollywood – Pigeon Forge

Few names are as linked to Tennessee as Dolly Parton. Her namesake park Dollywood has a brand-new Dolly Parton Experience that is triple the size than it was before. She has a line of Dolly Wines – which you can sample at The Butterfly Bar at Nashville’s Assembly Food Hall – and a skillet collection with Lodge Cast Iron. And while the entrepreneur has put her stamp on Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa and Heartsong Lodge & Resort in Pigeon Forge, 2026 will bring the arrival of Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel in Nashville. Infusing much of her own personality, this 12-story downtown hotel will include lodging, dining, entertainment and Dolly artifacts housed in the accompanying Dolly’s Life of Many Colours Museum.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – Nashville

On display until 30th September, 2026, guests can visit Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. This exhibit includes iconic outfits, handwritten lyrics, awards, photos and more. You can continue your Dolly experience with a show at the Grand Ole Opry, of which she has been a card-carrying member since 1969. Enjoy a meal at White Limozeen in Nashville, named after her 1989 album, or pose with her famed mural in Knoxville’s Strong Alley. Immerse yourself in her symbol at the Butterfly Garden at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, and take a selfie with her statue in the Sevierville square, which stands a full 18-inches taller than her actual petite 5-foot size. Then head over for dinner at The Pines, where she performed her very first paid gig. In Memphis, you can celebrate it all at Wiseacre Brewing’s annual Dolly Day event each winter. Expect live music, a lot of fun and a discount if you dress up as Dolly herself. 

Bring a Bit of Dolly Home!

• Dolly Perfumes: Look out for Tennessee Sunset, Dancing Fireflies and Smoky Mountain Early Morning Breeze on your travels.
• Dolly Books: “Star Of The Show: My Life On Stage,” “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones” and “Dolly Parton Songteller: My Life in Lyrics” are all available to buy before, during or after your Tennessee road trip.
• Dolly Wines: Dolly Parton Chardonnay and Dolly Parton Pinot Noir
• Dolly Albums: Well that’s hard to choose, let’s start with “Blue Smoke” and “Rhinestone” but there are many, many more!

LET’S ASK DOLLY! (as featured on tnvacation.com)

Hear all about Tennessee from the queen herself…

What are your favourite places to visit across the state? Are there any hidden gems or local favourites that you would recommend?

Asking me to name my favourite place in Tennessee is like asking me to name my favourite song! But of course, I am an East Tennessee girl, so I’ll always be partial to the Smoky Mountains. I’d like to think that we reveal some of the hidden gems of the mountains when you visit Dollywood. We spotlight the culture and the spirit of the Smokies, and the people who live there.

Tennessee is a hub for creativity. What role has that played in your career over the years?

Back in 1964 when I graduated high school, I couldn’t get to Nashville fast enough. Nashville was known as the place where country music dreams could come true. I grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry and got to perform on the stage for the first time at just 13-years-old. It’s known as Music City USA for a reason! I’ve called Nashville home for more than 60-years. I do most all my business in Nashville. I create all the content for all my product lines there, and my manager, Danny Nozell, has a wonderful studio complex in town that enables my team and I to do everything we need to do. We workshopped every bit of my new musical here in Tennessee and premiered it this summer at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Everything you need is accessible in Nashville, which makes it efficient and comfortable for me.

As a global superstar, you could live anywhere. What makes you stay in Tennessee?

I’ve gotten to travel all over the world, and I’ve had homes in California, New York and Hawaii through the years, but my heart always brought me back to Tennessee. In looking at the list of places I’ve been, it is amazing to think of everything I’ve been able to do. I love getting to see new places and meet new people, but Tennessee is home. I think everyone should be proud of where they’re from, and I have so many reasons to be a proud Tennessean.

If you could write a song about your love for Tennessee, what would it be called?

Well, I have written many songs about this state! One of my signature songs is “My Tennessee Mountain Home.” I was missing home during one of my early days in Nashville and got to thinking about my family and the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. That one will always be special to me. I love Tennessee, and I think you understand that when you listen to my music.

You have a lot of big things coming up in 2026, without giving too much away, what is the one project you are particularly looking forward to?

I am very excited about the opening of my Nashville hotel and museum in 2026! I’ve always dreamed of being able to create something here in Nashville that compliments what we already have up at Dollywood.

As a Tennessee native, you know firsthand that we offer so much more than just music. What's your favourite thing to do here outside of that?

The natural beauty of this state is evident everywhere you look. My late husband Carl and I would often take our camper and travel around the state, going to so many of the remote places in Tennessee. The outdoors has a way of grounding you and filling your soul with new energy.

You're well known for your words of wisdom. What advice would you give to people to get the most out of their experience when travelling here?

I often say that I share my experiences, but I try not to give advice, because what worked for me may not work for someone else. However, when it comes to visiting Tennessee, I don’t think I can go wrong in saying that you will love it here. Give us a chance, and I’d bet you’ll want to come back when you leave!

For more information on any of the above email tennessee@deep-south-usa.com