Dolly Parton to Be Honored with $2.8 Million Statue at Tennessee State Capitol

Fans awed by Dolly Parton's humble response to a statue

The woman who gave her voice to the soul of America will soon see her legacy cast in stone. The country music community has committed $2.8 million to erect a statue of Dolly Parton on the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville — a permanent tribute to her unparalleled influence on country music and her enduring bond with the Volunteer State.

The project, announced this week, will place the monument in a prominent location on the Capitol grounds, where it will join other historic tributes to Tennessee’s most influential figures. Supporters say the statue is not only a recognition of Parton’s six-decade career, but also of her role as a cultural ambassador, philanthropist, and symbol of resilience.

“Dolly Parton isn’t just a singer — she’s Tennessee itself,” said one supporter of the initiative. “This statue will ensure that generations to come understand the woman who kept country music alive and true.”

Parton, now 79, has long been considered the face of Tennessee’s cultural identity. Born in the Smoky Mountains of Sevierville, she rose from humble beginnings to become a global superstar, writing more than 3,000 songs, selling over 100 million records worldwide, and earning countless accolades, including Grammys, Academy Award nominations, and the Library of Congress Living Legend Award. Her hits — from “Jolene” to “9 to 5” — not only defined an era but also carried the spirit of working-class life, the struggles of women in the modern workplace, and the enduring truths of love, faith, and hope.

Beyond music, Parton’s philanthropic work has left an indelible mark on Tennessee and the world. Her Imagination Library, founded in 1995, has donated over 270 million free books to children globally, while her Dollywood Foundation has poured millions into education, health, and disaster relief initiatives.

Dolly Parton Says No Thanks for Now to Statue of Her at Tennessee Capital

The decision to honor her with a statue follows years of public calls for a permanent tribute at the Capitol. Supporters emphasize that her impact transcends entertainment, representing Tennessee’s values of generosity, perseverance, and creativity.

The statue, which will be designed by a yet-to-be-named artist, is expected to feature Parton in her signature style, guitar in hand, symbolizing her dual legacy as a performer and storyteller. Officials say the unveiling will likely take place in 2026, coinciding with Parton’s 80th birthday.

For fans, the news is a cause for celebration. “It’s not just about Dolly,” said one Nashville resident. “It’s about the people she came from, the hills she sang about, and the way she gave Tennessee a voice on the world stage.”

As it rises on the Capitol grounds — where history and heritage are enshrined — the statue will stand as a beacon of pride, not only for Tennessee but for millions of fans across the globe. More than a monument to a superstar, it will be a reminder that Dolly Parton’s story is also Tennessee’s story: one of hardship, hope, and a legacy that will endure as long as the state itself.