Dolly Parton is redefining the road to Nashville, transforming ordinary travel into an immersive experience steeped in Southern charm. Her vision isn’t just about reaching a destination, but savoring the journey itself, making every mile a part of the Music City magic.
Parton is partnering to revitalize travel stops across Tennessee, injecting them with entertainment and a touch of her signature hospitality. Having spent a lifetime on tour buses, she understands the need for welcoming and engaging spaces along the way, promising a memorable experience for all travelers.
Her love for Nashville runs deep, and she recently shared some of her favorite haunts, beginning with the hallowed halls of the Grand Ole Opry. Founded by George D. Hay in 1925, initially as “WSM’s Barn Dance,” the Opry quickly became a beacon for country music.
Hay, alongside fiddle player Uncle Jimmy Thompson, birthed a legend. The name “Grand Ole Opry” came to him in a moment of inspiration, and the program’s popularity soon outgrew its original location, leading to a move to the iconic Ryman Auditorium in 1943.
For Parton, the Ryman holds a particularly special significance. It was on that very stage in 1969 that she was inducted into the Opry family, a moment she cherishes and has revisited countless times for performances and television specials.
Today, the Opry boasts a nearly 4,400-seat theater and remains the longest-running radio broadcast in the world, a testament to its enduring legacy. Parton celebrated her 50th anniversary as a member with a televised special filmed on that “magical stage” in 2019.
Beyond the Opry, Parton highlighted Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a legendary honky-tonk that has served as a launching pad and gathering place for generations of country artists. She recalls a time when finding a musician meant checking backstage at Tootsie’s.
She even filmed a segment for her variety show, “Dolly,” within its vibrant walls, cementing its place in her personal history and the broader narrative of country music. Tootsie’s remains a vital part of Nashville’s musical heartbeat.
For those seeking a scenic stroll, Parton also pointed to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Spanning the Cumberland River, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the Nashville skyline and connects East Nashville to the downtown core.
It was on this very bridge that Parton filmed the music video for her song “Together You & I” in 2011, further intertwining her personal story with the city’s landscape. The bridge is a symbol of connection and beauty.
