Dolly Parton‘s exhibit, Journey of a Seeker, is open now at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The new exhibit features plenty of artifacts and memorabilia, including the first draft of hand-written lyrics of her iconic hit, “Jolene,” the Kennedy Center Honors medallion Parton received in 2006, a cowgirl outfit Parton wore in her 9 to 5 film, and much more.
“I’m so proud to be here. I really am.” Parton said at a reception celebrating the opening of Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker. “I’m so honored. Many, many years ago, they inducted me into the Country Music Hall of Fame. ‘Cause when you are a country singer, no matter where you come from, two things you gotta do. You gotta be a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and I got to do that in 1969. And then, I got inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and that was a great honor. They’ve always been so good to me, so sweet.”
The 79-year-old reflected on her own path, from growing up in the Smoky Mountains to being a global superstar.
“Of course, all of you know my story of growing up in a big family with 12 kids,” Parton shared. “That just goes to show you, no matter how crazy the world is, or how crazy America is, we’re still the greatest place in the world. And to think that I could grow up in a world where dreams can come true, so I’m just thankful for that.”
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Parton also gave an update on her Songteller hotel she is opening in Nashville in 2026.
“I left a few things for myself,” she admitted with a laugh. “You know, I’m building a hotel right up the road. It’s called The Songteller Hotel, and attached to that is my own museum, and that’s going to open in the spring of next year. So I’m sure that the Country Music Hall of Fame, we’re going to be good neighbors … I did kind of cheat them a little bit. I held on to some of my major things.”
Parton has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, achievements she is rightfully proud of, while also acknowledging how hard she worked to accomplish so much.
“I just think it’s wonderful that I have been able to see my little girl dreams come true,” Parton reflected. “It’s a long way from the top of the Smoky Mountains to the top of the world, and thanks to you and all the fans and the people that have helped me along the way, I made it. And I’m so grateful, ’cause it didn’t come without sacrifice.”
When announcing the new exhibit, Parton said it was a huge honor for her to be honored in such a way.
“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me,” Parton said. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”
Photo Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame