Dolly Parton Statue at Sevier County TN Court House

The Dolly Parton statue at Sevier County TN Court House was a tribute to the artist that grew up in Sevier County proudly showing recognition of her success and appreciation of her using her fame to give back to her hometown. Dolly’s desire to share and develop her musical talent started as she grew up in Sevier County at a very young age with live weekly shows in her local town and live radio appearances in nearby Knoxville appearing on WIVK starting at the age of 6 years old. Her school mates may remember her showing her school spirit playing the drums in in band for Sevier County High school where she graduated in 1964 before she moved to Nashville TN for opportunities to develop a career in music. It didn’t take Dolly Parton long to develop her career and find her fame that has not died down since. In 1986 Dolly partnered with the Herschend family to create Dollywood Theme Park in Sevierville. Because her desire to do something for the people of her hometown the theme park was a way of creating many new jobs, enhancing tourism, and offering both entertainment in her hometown and opportunity for entertainers to have a stage to develop their own talents as she had in Sevierville, Tn.

Dolly proudly watched as her statue was unveiled by the artist Jim Gray. Presented on May 2, 1987 the life size bronze Dolly Parton statue representing Dolly as a young girl sitting on a large rock barefoot and relaxed on the front lawn playing her guitar and smiling to all passing by. She shows a pride for her hometown area when she speaks of it just as much as her statue shows their pride in her. And Dolly’s display of love for her hometown has only grown stronger since the time that she was recognized with her statue. Two years following the opening of Dollywood Theme Park she opened Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction in 1988; starting a successful trend of dinner shows to become popular in the Smoky Mountains area. In 1996 Dolly wanted to share her love of education and imagination starting Imagination Library giving every child in Sevier County a new book, age appropriate as they grow, to keep every month. Dolly is also a supporter of healthcare in Sevier County helping to create and promote advance facilities and care for the area.

If you are one of the many fans of Dolly Parton or any of her top 25 #1 country songs you will enjoy a visit to her hometown where her inspiration began. Dolly’s Statue in front of the Sevier County Court House is just one stop of 28 for a walking tour of Dolly’s hometown that you can enjoy.