Dolly’s Downtown Sevierville
Dolly Parton’s Sevierville looks a little different than the Sevierville of today, but the town of her childhood lives on in new establishments that infuse the present with her celebrated past. Dolly was born as the fourth of twelve children in a tiny Sevierville cabin and attended Sevier County High School. As a child, she frequented Red’s Cafe for burgers and played her first paying gig at The Pines Theatre when she was only ten years old. While the original Red’s no longer exists, you can admire the Red’s Cafe mural on Bruce Street and grab an ice cream float at the 1950s-style Red’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream. Right near the Red’s mural is the Wings of Wander butterfly mural based on Dolly’s song “Love Is Like a Butterfly.” The Pines Theatre is now The Pines Downtown, a family entertainment venue that remains infused with the musical spirits of the country stars who once performed there.

The Iconic Dolly Statue
No trip to Sevierville is complete without paying Dolly’s statue downtown a visit. Erected in 1987 on the Sevier County Courthouse’s lawn, the bronze statue of a young, guitar-strumming Dolly has smiled on her cherished hometown for decades and welcomes thousands of fans to Sevierville each year. Of all her accolades, this statue located on the Tennessee Music Pathways trail might be Dolly’s proudest achievement because of how proud it made her family. Stop by for a selfie and a singalong – nothing would make the songstress happier than a crowd of people singing together!

The Dolly Parton Experience
Not only can you explore Dolly’s childhood haunts, but through the Dolly Parton Experience in Dollywood, you can interact with new exhibits that span her entire career. This experience is three times the size of the former Chasing Rainbows Museum! From Dolly’s signature style and fashion to her biggest dreams and inspirations, you’re sure to find even more things to love about Sevierville’s favorite star. While you may have come to the fabulous theme park for rollercoasters and live shows, you’ll leave with memories of Dolly’s faith, heart, and Tennessee sparkle.

Dolly’s Legacy & Generosity
Dolly’s legacy goes far beyond the many attractions found around Sevierville and even outside the bounds of Sevierville itself. Children worldwide benefit from Dolly’s Imagination Library, an initiative to foster a love of reading and books before kindergarten, regardless of a family’s income. Over 100,000,000 free books have been mailed since the library began in 1995. Dolly is an outspoken supporter of healthcare and acts as an honorary chairperson of The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, named after the doctor who delivered Dolly and helped to establish better medical facilities in the area. Sevierville’s LeConte Medical Center has two facilities named for Dolly: the Dolly Parton Center for Women’s Services and The Dolly Parton Birthing Unit. Opening Dollywood in 1986 created hundreds of jobs for local Sevierville residents, and the park continues to grow every year.