Dolly Parton fans can now trace the country legend's life across Tennessee, from the Smoky Mountains cabin where she grew up to a new Nashville hotel and museum opening on September 29, following the launch of her own service station in June.
Parton, the Grammy-winning musician, actress and philanthropist, died of cancer in August at the age of 80. She spent decades investing millions in tourist attractions across East Tennessee and beyond, cementing her home region as a pilgrimage site for fans wanting to walk in her footsteps.
Travellers can fly into Nashville, or Atlanta for cheaper flights, then hire a car to follow Parton's trail through the towns and cities that shaped her.
Where Dolly Parton grew up
Parton was born into poverty in a two-room cabin in Locust Ridge, near the city of Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains. The shack had no running water or electricity and was shared by Parton, her parents, Avie and Robert Lee, and her 11 brothers and sisters.
The cabin still stands but is not open to the public; Parton bought the land to keep it away from tourists. A close replica can be seen at Dollywood, her theme park in the nearby town of Pigeon Forge, in an area called Rivertown Junction. Unveiled by Parton in 1986, it was built by her brothers and decorated by her mother, with walls covered in old newspapers and magazines just as the original home was. The replica also displays family photographs, ornaments and a 1946 calendar with Parton's birthdate, January 19, ringed on it.
Sevierville's Dolly Parton landmarks
Sevierville, the city closest to Locust Ridge, has six landmarks dedicated to its most famous resident. Parton often said her flamboyant look was inspired by a glamorous local prostitute she saw as a child in the city.
A bronze statue of Parton playing guitar has stood on the lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse, at 125 Court Avenue, for more than 30 years. Made by local artist Jim Gray, it has become a shrine for flowers and cards since her death. Other stops include a mural depicting Red's Cafe, one of Parton's childhood haunts, and Red's Soda Fountain and Ice Cream, where visitors can order a milkshake or root beer inspired by the original cafe.
Dollywood theme park
Parton opened Dollywood in 1986 after revamping the former Silver Dollar City attraction, having been inspired by her Hollywood career, including her role in 9 to 5, for which she earned two Grammys for writing the title song. The park quickly became the biggest employer in East Tennessee.
Alongside high-speed rides such as Big Bear Mountain, Wild Eagle and Thunderhead, Dollywood serves Southern home cooking, including ham, hand-breaded fried chicken and cornbread at Aunt Granny's Restaurant and Granny Ogle's Ham 'n' Beans. There is also a seasonal waterpark and dinner shows, including the western-themed Dolly Parton's Stampede.
A one-day theme park ticket costs $94.99 (£70) for adults and $84.99 (£62) for children.
Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop
In June, at what would be her final public appearance, Parton launched her own service station, Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop, on the Pulaski Highway in Cornersville. It serves cinnamon bread, brisket and peach cobbler alongside fuel, and features a Southern-style restaurant, a barbecue cafe, live country music and a 'cup of ambition' coffee.
"Who better to own a travel stop than someone that spent their entire life on the road?" Parton told those attending the launch. "I've been traveling since 1967 just to make my living. And I know every travel stop from coast to coast."
The Travel Stop already has more than 6,000 reviews on Google and a score of 4.3. One recent review read: "The hype is real! The cinnamon bread was the same as in Dollywood, the biscuits were delicious, and the coffee frappe was marvellous! With exclusive merch you can only get at this one place makes it a MUST! Super friendly staff!"
New Nashville hotel and museum
Parton had hoped to launch her newest tourism venture in person, but on September 29 the SongTeller hotel and its 20,000-square-foot Life of Many Colours museum will open in downtown Nashville without her. The hotel has 245 rooms, including 31 signature suites such as the Acoustic Suites and Six Sisters Suites, with rooms starting from around £308 a night.
Aspiring performers can take the stage in Parton's Lounge, while guests can get a drink in Jolene's, a bar with views over the skyline and the Cumberland River.
Nearby is the Grand Ole Opry, the historic Nashville venue that helped launch Parton's career. She first performed there in 1959, aged 13, introduced by Johnny Cash, and went on to appear more than 100 times over seven decades. Tickets today start from around £45, with country stars such as Lainey Wilson and Luke Combs among the acts who still take to its stage.
The Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains, which provided the backdrop to Parton's early life and later became a refuge from fame, stretch across more than 520,000 acres of misty peaks, waterfalls and forest. The gateway town of Gatlinburg, founded in the 18th century, has art galleries, shops and wineries alongside outdoor activities such as kayaking, rafting and hiking.
The 11-mile Cades Cove road loop is a popular spot to see local wildlife, including groundhogs, black bears and white-tailed deer.
