Country music icon Dolly Parton is once again in the spotlight—this time with a dazzling new exhibit that celebrates her extraordinary journey from the Smoky Mountains to global superstardom. On May 19, 2025, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, a richly detailed exhibition showcasing some of the legend’s most treasured personal artifacts. Yet, in classic Dolly style, she’s teasing even bigger surprises to come, reserving her “major” treasures for a museum opening just down the street in spring 2026.

A Night of Celebration and Reflection

The grand opening featured a heartfelt performance by fellow country stars Alison Krauss & Union Station, who paid tribute with renditions of Dolly’s beloved hits “Coat of Many Colors” and “The Seeker.” Afterwards, Parton took the stage to express gratitude to her fans and collaborators:
“I’m so happy and proud to be here, I’m like Minnie Pearl, so proud to be here! I made it. I’m so grateful because it didn’t come without sacrifice.”

She reflected on her rise from humble beginnings to becoming a global icon, calling it the fulfillment of her “little girl dreams.”

The Exhibition: A Glimpse Into Dolly’s Legacy

The exhibit is a treasure trove of Dolly’s career milestones and personal history, including:

The first draft of handwritten lyrics to “Jolene,” one of her most iconic songs and a #1 country hit.
A custom-built Gibson five-string banjo with white metallic finish and rhinestone butterfly motifs, featured in performances from 1992 and her Halos & Horns tour in 2002.
A cowgirl outfit from the 1980 film 9 to 5, showcasing her flair for blending music and cinema.
Hand-painted and beaded boots designed by Bambi Breakstone from a 2002 Halos & Horns photoshoot.
The Kennedy Center Honors medallion awarded in 2006, celebrating her lifetime contributions to American culture.
A pearl-beaded lace dress designed by Tony Chase, worn during a memorable duet with Miss Piggy on her ABC variety show Dolly! in 1987.
The Gibson L-30 acoustic guitar from circa 1935, a gift from her brother Floyd Parton, which she played in the music video for “Silver and Gold.”
A stunning 1978 balloon-sleeve chiffon dress, immortalized in a Dolly-themed pinball machine created by Bally in 1979.
A 1975 rhinestone-and-bead embellished pantsuit designed by Lucy Adams, featured on the cover of her album Dolly (also known as The Seeker).

Accompanying the exhibit is an illustrated companion book, packed with historical photos and stories, available at the museum store and online.

More to Come in 2026

While this exhibit offers a remarkable look at Dolly’s storied career, she’s holding back her biggest and most personal artifacts for the spring 2026 opening of her own museum, just steps away from the Hall of Fame. Fans can eagerly anticipate an even deeper dive into the life and legacy of one of country music’s most beloved figures.

A Timeless Journey

Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker celebrates not only a lifetime of music and artistry but also the spirit of perseverance, creativity, and joy that defines Dolly herself. From her handwritten lyrics to sparkling stage costumes, the exhibit is a testament to a woman who truly turned her dreams into a dazzling reality—while promising there’s still so much more to share.