The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is set to honour one of country music’s most iconic figures with a new exhibit ‘Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.' Opening May 20 and running through September 2026, the exhibition will highlight pivotal moments throughout Dolly Parton’s extraordinary six-decade career, showcasing how she broke barriers and defied expectations to become one of the most beloved entertainers in the world.
“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,” said Parton. “This seeker is very proud and honoured, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, added, “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. 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.”
The exhibit will include a wide range of memorabilia, from iconic wardrobe pieces to personal artifacts, and will explore her evolution as an artist, actress, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. Visitors can expect to see clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, rare photographs, and exclusive video interviews.
Notable items on display include:
- The original handwritten lyrics to ‘Jolene' her classic No. 1 country hit
- A custom rhinestone-covered Gibson banjo used in 1992 and during her 2002 ‘Halos & Horns Tour'
- The Sony cassette recorder Parton used to write ‘I Will Always Love You,' ‘Jolene' and ‘The Seeker'
- Her cowgirl outfit from the 1980 film 9 to 5
- Hand-painted boots worn during the Halos & Horns album photoshoot
- The Kennedy Center Honors medallion awarded to her in 2006
- A lace dress worn during a duet with Miss Piggy on her 1987 ABC variety series Dolly!
- The butterfly-themed dress worn on The Porter Wagoner Show and the Porter ’n’ Dolly album cover
- A 1935 Gibson L-30 guitar gifted by her brother Floyd, used in the ‘Silver and Gold' music video
- A pink chiffon dress featured in Harry Langdon Jr.'s 1978 photoshoot, which inspired the artwork for a 1979 Dolly-themed pinball machine
- A metallic dress from her 2023 ‘Rockstar' album promo featuring singles ‘World on Fire' and ‘We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You'
- Platform mules worn during her 2019 Grammy Awards tribute performance
- A rhinestone-and-bead pantsuit from her 1975 ‘Dolly' album cover and tour with the Traveling Family Band
Access to the exhibit is included with museum admission. Timed tickets are limited daily, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. Ticket information and availability can be found on the museum’s official website.
For more details, visit CountryMusicHallofFame.org.
