Dolly Parton’s Sparkling Taste in Cars
Country music icon Dolly Parton is renowned for her bold style and over-the-top costumes adorned with rhinestones, sequins, and glitter. However, her love of all things sparkly doesn’t stop at her wardrobe – it extends to her automobile tastes as well. While Dolly may not have a large classic car collection like some celebrities, she has long had an affinity for luxurious Cadillacs. In particular, one Cadillac holds a special place in her heart – her 1997 Cadillac D’Elegance.
Dolly drove that Cadillac for many years and it became one of her favorite vehicles. Now it sits on permanent display at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee as a tribute to the car’s famous owner. The museum, located near Dolly’s Dollywood theme park, showcases celebrity-owned vehicles and memorabilia. Dolly’s 1997 Cadillac certainly stands out among the star-studded lineup, glittering under the lights to match its owner’s sparkling persona.
A Longtime Cadillac Fan
Dolly’s love of Cadillacs goes back decades. In the 1970s and 80s, she was often photographed arriving for television appearances and concerts in luxurious Cadillac sedans. Through the 90s and into the 2000s, Dolly upgraded to newer Cadillac models to keep her mother happy. Dolly’s mother always wanted her daughter to drive a new, reliable car instead of holding onto vehicles for too long. So Dolly would trade in her Cadillacs every few years to please her mom.
Her 1997 Cadillac D’Elegance was a special case. Dolly fell in love with the unique styling and luxurious features of the D’Elegance model. Produced by Cadillac between 1993 and 1999, the D’Elegance had a more formal roofline and exclusive upholstery/trim options that set it apart from standard DeVille and Fleetwood sedans. With its formal coupe profile and rich leather interiors available in colors like burgundy and camel, the D’Elegance embodied luxury and sophistication.
Dolly enjoyed many miles driving her 1997 D’Elegance over the years. She took it on tour with her and used it as her primary vehicle for over a decade. Though she normally upgraded Cadillacs every few years, Dolly held onto this one longer than usual due to her fondness for it. When she finally decided it was time for something newer in the late 2000s, she didn’t want to part with her beloved D’Elegance. So Dolly donated it to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum to be put on permanent display.
A Sparkling Showstopper
Today, Dolly’s 1997 Cadillac D’Elegance is one of the star attractions at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. It gleams under display lights, standing out amid the sea of other celebrity vehicles. Dolly had the exterior repainted in a shimmering opalescent blue-green paint with flecks of glitter mixed in. The paintjob perfectly matches Dolly’s over-the-top persona and passion for all things sparkly.
Inside, the rich burgundy leather interior remains in pristine condition. The seats, door panels, and dashboard gleam as if they were brand new. Dolly took excellent care of her beloved Cadillac over the years of ownership. Fans and visitors to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum are drawn to Dolly’s car like moths to a flame due to its eye-catching sparkle. It’s a flamboyant representation of the country queen’s unmistakable style.
In the museum display, details are provided about Dolly’s history with the car and her longtime love of Cadillacs. Photos show Dolly arriving for concerts and television appearances in various Cadillac models through the decades. Her 1997 D’Elegance holds a special place as one of her favorites. The car is decorated with images of Dolly, adding to the story of its famous owner. It’s one of the biggest attractions at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, enticing visitors to stop and admire its glittering beauty.
Keeping Her Mother Happy
While Dolly may be best known for her 1997 Cadillac D’Elegance on display, it was just one of several Cadillacs she owned over the years. Dolly frequently upgraded her vehicles to keep her mother happy and ensure she always had a new, reliable car. In the 1970s and 80s, Dolly was often photographed arriving to events in luxurious Cadillac sedans of the era like DeVilles and Fleetwoods.
In the 1990s, Dolly transitioned to newer Cadillac models as they were released. She owned a 1993 Cadillac DeVille before upgrading to her beloved 1997 D’Elegance. Later, Dolly drove a 2001 Cadillac DeVille and a 2005 Cadillac DTS. She traded in vehicles every few years as her mother preferred. Even after donating her 1997 D’Elegance to the museum, Dolly continued her Cadillac-driving ways with newer models in the late 2000s and 2010s like the DTS and XTS luxury sedans.
Dolly’s fondness for Cadillacs shows her appreciation for American luxury. The automaker’s formal coupes and sedans perfectly matched Dolly’s glamorous style over the decades. While she may not have amassed a large classic car collection, Dolly Parton has proven herself a longtime Cadillac enthusiast. Her 1997 D’Elegance on display at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum stands as a glittering reminder of her passion for all things sparkly – including her choice of vehicles. Dolly’s Cadillac history displays her ability to balance bold self-expression with keeping her mother happy through reliable transportation.