Dolly Parton's story will endure for generations, and its earliest chapters are rooted here in East Tennessee.
Parton died Aug. 25 at the age of 80, prompting fans across the region to revisit the places where her extraordinary story began. For those looking to honor her memory, a pilgrimage to Sevier County offers a chance to pay respects to Parton's bold, beautiful life in the place where the self-described "Smoky Mountain girl" was born and raised.
Parton loved her home, and she shaped the region for generations to come, from opening Dollywood in 1986 to donating $1 million − alongside a matching gift from her East Tennessee businesses and the Dollywood Foundation − to assist Hurricane Helene flood victims in 2024.
But before all that, she was
just a young girl with big dreams. Here are some of the landmarks that pay tribute to the Queen of Country back where her story began − and how to see them for yourself.
Dolly Parton statue
A bronze statue of Parton stands on the lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse, depicting the singer with her guitar on which a small butterfly is perched. Created by local artist Jim Gray and erected "through the generosity of the people of Sevier County," according to its plaque, the statue was unveiled by Parton herself in 1987.
During the ceremony, Parton joked that bronze statues always looked like Abraham Lincoln to her and warned pigeons to stay away from her new likeness. She also said the permanent tribute was deeply meaningful.
Within hours of the announcement of Parton's death, fans began gathering at the statue, leaving behind flowers and handwritten notes in memory of the beloved singer.
Address: 125 Court Ave., Sevierville, TN 37862
The Pines Theatre
The Pines Theatre was a 700-seat venue that hosted many country music legends over the years, including Chet Atkins, Roy Acuff and, of course, Parton.
Parton performed there publicly for the first time in 1956 at just 10 years old, according to VisitSevierville.com. The space is now The Pines Downtown, a modern event space with food, cocktails and games.
In 2022, Seth Bishop finished a mural outside the building that celebrates some of the major performers who took the stage there. It depicts a young Parton front and center.
Address: 230 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN 37862
Dolly Parton murals
Red's Café
In addition to the mural at the Pines, other spots around Sevier County depict or reference Parton.
This mural on Bruce Street shows a young Parton ordering a burger at Red's Café. The mural was painted in 2020 by Ben Harrison, who goes by the artist name Zaxerl, and Seth Bishop.
Address: Bruce Street, Sevierville, TN 37862; near The Appalachian
Wings of Wander
The Wings of Wander mural, completed by Pinkie Mistry in 2020, was inspired in part by Parton's love of butterflies, a symbol long associated with the country music icon whose hits include "Love Is Like a Butterfly."
Address: 111 E Main St., Sevierville, TN 37862
Old Kilpatrick’s Drug Store
Bill and Georgia Kilpatrick founded the popular Apple Barn in Sevierville. But before that, Bill was a pharmacist who cared for the Parton family.
The drug store also had a food counter, and Dolly Parton was said to be a fan of the hot dogs sold there, visiting often while in high school, according to Visit Sevierville.
Address: 139 Bruce St., Sevierville, TN 37862
Dollywood
And of course, you can pay your respects at Dollywood, which features many locations that commemorate Parton’s Tennessee origins. That includes a couple spots that pay homage to places we’ve already mentioned.
Red’s Drive In is named for Red’s Café, while the Pines Theatre honors the original Sevierville venue. There’s also Parton’s Tennessee Mountain Home, a replica of the two-room home where she was raised and influenced by her mother’s hymns, folk songs and traditional mountain music.
Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Hayden Dunbar Evans is the storyteller reporter. Email: hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com. Instagram: @knoxstoryteller.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Honor Dolly Parton by visiting the Sevier County spots that shaped her
