Dolly Parton’s life began in 1946, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Center, Tennessee. Her father, Lee, couldn’t read or write, and her mother looked after Dolly and her 11 siblings. They were, as Dolly once said, “dirt poor.”
It didn’t stay that way. As a child, Dolly sang on local radio stations and television programs. By 13, she had recorded her first single, “Puppy Love.” Between 1974 and 1980, she had a string of country hits, with eight singles reaching number one. She has since sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has starred in several films, including 9 to 5 (1980) and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
She now lives a few hours from the Smoky Mountains, where she grew up, in Brentwood, a suburb of Nashville. Next June, she will be unveiling a hotel and museum downtown—Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel and Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum. Here, the star shares her guide to the city where her career first took off.
Music Row
When I first moved to Nashville with my Uncle Bill in 1964, Music Row was where all the business took place. I walked up and down 16th and 17th Avenues looking for anyone who’d listen to the songs I wrote. (musicrow.countrymusichalloffame.org)
RCA Studio B
So many memories come from my early days recording for RCA Records in Studio B. I recorded many of my hits in that studio, including “Jolene.” (countrymusichalloffame.org)
Ryman Auditorium
I was on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium when I was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1969. Since then, I’ve performed many times at the Ryman, whether it be for television specials or for my own concerts. (ryman.com)
Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry House is the current home of the Grand Ole Opry, and a place where I have performed many times throughout my career. When I celebrated my 50th year as a member of the Opry in 2019, we filmed the television special on that magical stage. (opry.com)
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
Tootsie’s is right across the alley from the Ryman. When I moved to Nashville, it was known that if you couldn’t find someone backstage, there was a good chance they were at the bar at Tootsie’s. Years back, many of the great Opry performers and I filmed a segment there for my variety series, Dolly! (tootsies.net)
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Nashville has so many great new attractions. When they added the beautiful pedestrian bridge years back, it connected East Nashville to Downtown. I filmed the music video for my single “Together You & I” on this bridge in 2011.
Music City Walk of Fame
I am proud to have a star on the Music City Walk of Fame alongside so many of the greats. (visitmusiccity.com)
Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Most recently, I was inside this beautiful venue for the 2025 premiere of my “Threads: My Songs In Symphony” show. The symphony hall is a wonderful addition to Nashville’s musical footprint. (nashvillesymphony.org)
