A brand new exhibit highlighting Dolly Parton‘s decades-long career is coming to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville next month. Announced today (April 9), Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker will take visitors through the life and career of the multitalented Tennessee native.
“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 shares in a statement. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”
Visitors to the exhibit will be taken through the many eras of Parton’s career, from her humble beginnings as one of 12 children growing up in rural Sevierville, Tennessee, to breaking through the glass ceiling as a determined woman building a career in country music, Hollywood, and beyond.
Her incredible story will be told through a collection of rarely-seen artifacts, including recognizable state costumes, personal photographs, awards, and handwritten lyrics. Her iconic cowgirl costume from the 1980 film 9 to 5, a stunning custom-built Gibson five-string banjo, and the cassette tape recorder used while writing her hits “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” are among the items set to be on display.
“After accomplishing enough for three lifetimes, Dolly Parton continues to astound and amaze us with her boundless talent, her vivacious wit, and her tremendous generosity,” says Kyle Young, chief executive officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Like all great artists, Parton has demonstrated consistently that she can transform adversity and setbacks into works of stunning beauty and insight into the human condition.”
Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker will open inside the Country Music Hall of Fame on May 20 and will be available to visit through Sept. 2026. An illustrated companion book for the exhibition is available to pre-order or can be purchased in person via the museum’s gift store.
