Country icon Dolly Parton got a first look at the exhibit focusing on her life, career and legacy at the the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee May 19.

The exhibit, titled “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker” just opened May 20. But first, Dolly got to sneak a peek in a private debut and brief ceremony.

During the special evening May 19, Dolly was serenaded by Alison Krauss and Union Station, who performed Dolly’s songs “Coat of Many Colors” and “The Seeker.”

Dolly also spoke to the crowd, where she treated them to a poem. “I’ve sacrificed time with family and friends. I gave up vacations for work without end. 24-7 365, but I was willing to make, that sacrifice. But empty or full, I’ve carried my pail. But you don’t drink the water, if you don’t dig the well. Grindstones and rhinestones have made up my life. And you ask, was it worth the sacrifice?”

Dolly then looked at the crowd and said, “Well, I reckon it was! Cause I’m here tonight, and I’m thankful for every person that’s helped me! I’m thankful for you tonight. I love you and I hope you have a good time!”

Exhibit Takes Fans Back to Dolly Parton’s Roots

Dolly Parton took the time to walk through and look at all the memorabilia highlighting nearly seven decades of her career.

“It’s a long way from the top of the Smoky Mountains to the top of the world,” Dolly commented.

Michael McCall, associate director of editorial, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum told the Tennessean, “Dolly fought each step of the way to maintain her vision, alongside being a charismatic entertainer and talented performer.”

McCall pointed out that even at the start of her career, when Dolly made her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 13 alongside her Uncle Bill Owens in 1959, she received three encores on country music’s most prestigious stage.

Despite this, Opry stage manager Walter Kilpatrick said she was too young to perform. But Dolly didn’t give up. Instead, Opry members convinced fellow Jimmy C. Newman to agree to give up one of his regular Saturday night spots to Parton, who was introduced to the stage by Johnny Cash.

“From the beginning, because of how she envisioned her career’s success, it was as if she was destined to manifest global stardom,” added McCall.
GettyNASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MAY 19: Dolly Parton attends the opening of Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s new exhibit ‘Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker’

What Visitors Will See At “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker”

“Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker” displays Dolly’s clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photographs, interview footage and more.

Some highlights:

Parton’s first draft of handwritten lyrics to her classic song and No. 1 country hit “Jolene.”
A custom-built Gibson five-string banjo with a white metallic finish, rhinestone embellishments and butterfly motifs used by Parton at performances in 1992 and on her “Halos & Horns Tour” in 2002.
A cowgirl outfit Parton wore in the 1980 Hollywood film “9 to 5.”
Hand-painted and beaded boots, designed by Bambi Breakstone, which Parton wore at the photoshoot for her 2002 album, Halos & Horns.
The Kennedy Center Honors medallion Parton was presented in 2006 to honor her lifetime of contributions to American culture.

GettyNASHVILLE – MAY 19: Dolly Parton’s Kennedy Center Honor Medal at Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s new exhibit ‘Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker’

A Tony Chase-designed lace dress, embellished with pearl beading. Parton wore it when she performed the R&B classic “I’m a Hog for You Baby.” It was a duet with Miss Piggy on an episode of Parton’s variety series, “Dolly!,” in 1987.
The Gibson L-30 archtop acoustic guitar, built around 1935. It was given to Parton as a gift from her brother Floyd Parton. She played it in the 1991 music video for “Silver and Gold,” from her album “Eagle When She Flies.”
A dress, with balloon sleeves, chiffon skirt, bugle beading and rhinestone accents. Parton wore at a 1978 photoshoot by celebrity photographer Harry Langdon Jr.. The likeness on a Dolly Parton-themed pinball machine was based on one of Langdon’s photos of her in this dress.
A pantsuit with bell sleeves, bell bottoms and rhinestone-and-bead embellished floral shapes. It was worn by Parton when she toured with her Traveling Family Band in 1975. Dolly also wore it on the cover of Dolly, her 1975 album (also known as The Seeker/We Used To.)
Dolly’s famous fax machine. Reba McEntire has said while Dolly is a dear friend, she doesn’t have her phone number. Instead, they communicate by fax.

How to See “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker”

“Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker” is open now at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. It will remain open until September 2026.

The exhibit is included with the price of admission, which is $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 6-12. Or you can upgrade to a guided tour led by a docent before or after hours for $52.95 for adults and $42.95 for children. You can purchase tickets here.

And if you can’t make it to Nashville, the exhibit features an illustrated and in-depth exhibit companion book complete with historical photographs and pictures of artifacts from the exhibit. The book is now available via the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s store. It will also be available in bookstores and online outlets through a distribution partnership with the University of Illinois Press. You can find that here.
GettyNASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MAY 19: Dolly Parton attends the opening of new exhibit ‘Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker’ at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum