Tourist destinations that stole Dolly Parton’s heart
Dolly Parton is an international superstar who is beloved around the world for her iconic music, charming personality, and rags-to-riches life story. Over the course of her illustrious career spanning more than 50 years, Parton has had the opportunity to travel the world and experience some of the most famous tourist destinations. While Tennessee will always be close to her heart as her home state, there are several other locations that Parton has said made a big impression on her. Here are 10 destinations that truly stole Dolly Parton’s heart.
1. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
This theme park in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is very near and dear to Dolly Parton’s heart, as it was founded by Parton herself in 1986. Dollywood features rides, shows, restaurants, and shops all themed around Dolly’s life and music. Parton has said that Dollywood allows her to share her Appalachian roots and the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains with visitors from around the world. She enjoys walking through the park and interacting with fans. Dollywood has also given back tremendously to the local community through jobs and tourism. Parton is proud that Dollywood honors her East Tennessee upbringing while providing family-friendly fun and entertainment. It’s easy to see why this theme park would be one of Parton’s favorite places – it’s a tribute to her legacy and a way for her to bring joy and economic opportunity to her home region.
2. Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee
As one of the most famous musical icons of the 20th century, Elvis Presley left an indelible mark on popular culture and greatly influenced Dolly Parton’s own career. His former home-turned-museum, Graceland, gives fans a glimpse into The King’s lavish lifestyle and houses many of his possessions, awards, and artifacts. Parton has said she loves touring Graceland and soaking in its musical history. As a fellow Tennessee native and country star, Parton feels a kinship with Presley and admires all he did to bring mainstream attention to country and rock and roll music. She finds Graceland to be a must-see destination for any music lover.
3. The Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, Tennessee
This historic venue has been a cornerstone of the country music industry since 1925. As one of country’s most prominent artists, Dolly Parton has performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage countless times since making her debut there in 1959 at the age of 13. She was inducted as an official Opry member in 1969. Parton has said the Opry holds a special place in her heart and she never tires of performing under its iconic lights. She feels immense pride in being part of the Opry’s rich heritage. As a mecca for country fans, Parton enjoys introducing the Opry’s legacy to her international followers. Its hallowed halls have hosted so many legendary artists over the decades – Parton included. It’s no wonder she holds the Grand Ole Opry in such high esteem.
4. The Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The remote, breathtaking Smoky Mountains were the setting of Dolly Parton’s childhood. She was born in 1946 in a one-room cabin located near the town of Sevierville. Parton has often cited the Smokies as her favorite place in the world, crediting their natural beauty with instilling in her a love of country living and storytelling. She enjoys hiking, camping, and relaxing among the misty peaks that inspired so many of her songs. Parton also founded the Dollywood Foundation, which protects land and wildlife in the Smokies. She wants to preserve the area’s natural heritage for future generations. Parton feels a deep connection to the Smokies and aims to showcase their simple charms to visitors from afar. The rolling hills, clear streams, and changing foliage will always hold a special place in her heart.
5. The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee
This National Historic Landmark opened in 1892 and served as the original home of the Grand Ole Opry until 1974, earning it the nickname “The Mother Church of Country Music.” Parton has performed on the Ryman stage many times throughout her career. She loves the venue’s excellent acoustics and historic atmosphere. Parton recalls her early years singing on shows like the Porter Wagoner Show televised from the Ryman. She feels a sense of nostalgia and tradition when performing in the room where so many legends made their mark. Parton also admires the Ryman’s elegant architecture and the way it has been preserved. She’s proud to be part of country music’s rich legacy upheld at this iconic Nashville venue.
6. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood, California
Parton received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984, located at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard. She has described receiving this honor as one of her proudest career moments, cementing her status as not just a country star but an internationally renowned entertainer. Parton loves strolling down the Walk of Fame and seeing the names of stars she admires engraved in the sidewalk. She feels immense gratitude to be included among entertainment icons like Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, and Marilyn Monroe. Parton enjoys introducing her star to visiting fans and reflecting on her Hollywood career milestones like the film 9 to 5. She’s proud to represent country music on the iconic Walk of Fame.
7. The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
In 2006, Dolly Parton was honored with one of the highest accolades an artist can receive – the Kennedy Center Honors. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture through the performing arts. Parton was thrilled and humbled to perform for President George W. Bush and receive personal congratulations. She recalls the experience of performing at the Kennedy Center as a “dream come true.” Parton felt proud to bring her Appalachian roots to the hallowed halls of this prestigious arts center. She loves admiring the architecture and being part of the Kennedy Center’s distinguished legacy. It’s a memory Parton will forever cherish.
8. The White House, Washington, D.C.
Dolly Parton has had the honor of performing for several sitting U.S. presidents at both private and public White House events over the years. She has described these invitations as “the experience of a lifetime” and an honor to represent her country and her people. Parton takes pride in entertaining presidents and sharing her music with dignitaries from around the world at the most famous address in America. She feels immense gratitude for the opportunity to perform in the East Room, South Lawn, and other iconic White House spaces. Parton enjoys touring the presidential residence and learning about U.S. history in America’s most famous home.
9. The London Palladium, London, England
As her international stardom grew, Dolly Parton began touring internationally and found immense success in the UK and other parts of Europe. One of her favorite overseas venues is the London Palladium, where she has headlined numerous shows since first performing there in 1978. Parton loves the Palladium’s elegantly restored neoclassical architecture and rich theatrical history. She feels the energy of past performers like Judy Garland and feels honored to add her name to the marquee. Parton also enjoys performing for UK audiences who appreciate her blend of country, pop, and bluegrass. Their enthusiastic responses have made the London Palladium one of her all-time favorite places to play.
10. The Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
On her first tour of Australia in 1979, Dolly Parton was in awe of the Sydney Opera House’s striking modern design perched on the harbor. She describes it as “one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen.” Parton was thrilled to perform there and take in panoramic views of the city skyline and harbor from the concert hall. She was struck by the Opera House’s architectural uniqueness and its status as a global icon of Australia. Parton appreciates world-class designs that celebrate the arts, and she felt privileged to entertain audiences in such an aesthetically stunning venue. Its beauty made quite an impression and left Parton wanting to return again someday to further experience the magic of Sydney Opera House.
In summary, Dolly Parton’s heart has been stolen by many famous global tourist attractions throughout her illustrious career, but Tennessee will always hold a special place as her roots. From Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, the Volunteer State shaped Parton’s music and spirit in profound ways. Meanwhile, destinations like Graceland, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kennedy Center and White House represent career milestones, while the London Palladium and Sydney Opera House delighted her on international stages. Parton’s love of travel and adventure is evident through these places that made lasting impressions and memories for the country music queen.