Sevierville Honors Dolly Parton with New Tennessee Music Pathways Marker
Whether you’re a fan of country music or not, odds are you’ve heard of our local hero and international superstar, Dolly Parton. Recently, Tennessee Music Pathways honored Parton by unveiling a new marker near Parton’s famous bronze statue. Visitors and locals of the area can now come visit Parton’s statue, as well as learn a little bit more about the star’s legacy.
What is Tennessee Music Pathways
Launched by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in 2018, the Tennessee Music Pathways is an online guide to Tennessee’s rich and lengthy music heritage. You can find markers all over the state, in all 95 counties. Tennessee Music Pathways has erected hundreds of landmarks over the last few years to honor the seven genres of music that originate from Tennessee and the artists who brought them to life.
Where is the Marker?
Parton’s Tennessee Music Pathways Marker is located in downtown Sevierville, right beside her iconic bronze statue that was created in 1987. This statue is a popular picture spot for Dolly lovers from all over. Depicting the young singer strumming her guitar, it symbolizes her simple beginnings before she took the world by storm with her voice and love for music.
“I want to thank Commissioner Ezell and his team at the State of Tennessee,” Parton said in a statement. “I am proud to be from Sevier County and Sevierville and this Music Pathways sign honors me, my family, and my history there.”
Dolly’s Impact on Sevierville
Born in 1946 in the rural areas of Sevierville, Parton was the fourth of 12 children. Moving to Nashville right after high school, it was only a matter of time before the world knew the name Dolly Parton.
Today, Parton continues to contribute to her home community and the East Tennessee area. In 1995, Parton started the Imagination Library in Sevier County to give kids access to free books to encourage literacy and education. This program now has partners in the UK, Canada, Australia and the Republic of Ireland!
Following the devastating Smoky Mountain wildfires in 2017, Parton launched the My People Fund, giving displaced families a $1,000-per-month stipend sourced from outside donations of Parton’s foundation.
Parton continues to give back to the community that raised her and works hard to support the Smoky Mountains area in any way she can!
Other Dolly Landmarks
If you’re on the hunt for all the Dolly Parton landmarks in the area, there are plenty of spots to check out! Head down to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge to see a replica of the one-room home that Parton and her 11 siblings grew up in. You can also swing by the historic Red’s Cafe building to see a mural of a young Dolly sitting with a server at this Sevierville staple. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for all the butterfly murals around town, inspired by Parton’s iconic Monarch symbol!
Now that you know more about the new Tennessee Music Pathways marker to honor Dolly Parton, you can make time to see it on your next trip to the Smokies! Looking for more Sevierville landmarks? Check out all the fun things to do in Sevierville TN and start planning your next getaway to the area!
