Dolly Parton Celebrated in New Country Music Hall of Fame Exhibit — and Reveals Dazzling Details of Her Upcoming Nashville Hotel

Dolly Parton has never been one to rest on her rhinestone-studded laurels — and this week, she reminded the world why. On Monday night, the 79-year-old country music legend arrived at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville to help christen a new exhibit dedicated entirely to her remarkable life and career. Titled Dolly Parton: From the Smoky Mountains to the Top of the World, the display is an intimate, dazzling tribute to a woman who refused to take no for an answer.

“I think it’s wonderful that I have been able to see my little girl dreams come true,” Parton told a room of several hundred invited guests. With warmth and humility, she reflected on a journey that began in rural Tennessee and led her to become one of the most influential figures in music, business, and humanitarian work.

The exhibit itself charts that journey with rare artifacts, personal items, and multimedia storytelling. From her humble beginnings in Locust Ridge to her meteoric rise as a songwriter and performer, every chapter of Parton’s life is presented with reverence and heart. Gowns, handwritten lyrics, vintage photos, and even the original coat of many colors bring visitors into the world of a woman whose creativity and courage have touched generations.

“She’s been a singer, an actor, a business mogul, and a generous philanthropist,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “But perhaps most impressively, she’s always been unmistakably herself — bold, brilliant, and unstoppable.”

Parton’s enduring legacy is not only being honored by the museum but also extended through new ventures. During her appearance, she offered fresh details about her next big project: a luxury hotel in downtown Nashville called The SongTeller Hotel, set to open in spring 2026.

Located at 211 Commerce Street, just steps from Nashville’s bustling entertainment district, the 245-room hotel promises to be a physical extension of Dolly’s signature blend of glamour, nostalgia, and empowerment. The design embraces pink and gold palettes, butterfly motifs, and musical elements, all paying tribute to Dolly’s lifelong themes of creativity, resilience, and femininity.

Among the hotel’s standout features:

A 20,000-square-foot Dolly museum with a holographic tour led by Dolly herself.

“Parton’s Live”, a ticketed venue for concerts and intimate songwriter sessions.

“Jolene’s”, a speakeasy-style lounge on the top floor, boasting sweeping views of downtown Nashville.

“Cup of Ambition”, a breakfast café inspired by her iconic song “9 to 5.”

“The Listening Lobby”, a casual dining and drinks space with no reservations required.

And in true Dolly fashion, she hasn’t forgotten the music. Each room will come equipped with premium Bluetooth speakers for guests to enjoy their favorite tunes — perhaps even a Dolly-curated playlist. A handful of suites will be personally designed by Parton, featuring custom art, statement décor, and unexpected details that reflect her one-of-a-kind style.

Though she’s often asked about slowing down, Dolly shows no signs of doing so. Whether it’s launching a hotel, releasing new music, or advocating for children’s literacy, the iconic star continues to reinvent herself while staying grounded in the same values that shaped her youth: hard work, authenticity, and joy.

“It’s not just about looking back,” Dolly said of both the museum and the hotel. “It’s about celebrating the journey — mine and everyone else’s who ever felt like they didn’t fit the mold. I’m here to say: dream big, shine bright, and don’t let anyone tell you no.”

From the Hall of Fame to hotel hallways, Dolly Parton’s story continues to unfold — and we’re all lucky enough to be along for the ride.