A Dolly Parton Summer: 11 Iconic Nashville Stops for Fans

Stay in the heart of Music City at The Graduate Hotel, where nods to Dolly are everywhere. Looking to splurge? Book the glitzy 9-to-5 King Suite, inspired by her iconic style. Head up to White Limozeen, the rooftop bar, for cocktails with skyline views in a space as over-the-top and fabulous as Dolly herself—named after her hit song and decked out in pink flair. Want to sing your heart out? Visit Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, the hotel’s animatronic karaoke bar—complete with a Dolly pinball machine.

Be among the first to experience Dolly: An Original Musical at its world premiere at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University before it goes to Broadway. This brand-new production brings Dolly’s inspiring 'rags to rhinestones' story to life, featuring her greatest hits alongside new, original songs written by Dolly herself. Don’t miss the limited engagement running from July 18-August 31!

Dive into the extraordinary life and 60+ year career of the Country Music Hall of Fame icon in the new exhibition Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker on display through September 30, 2026. This immersive experience showcases her signature style, including iconic outfits, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, rare photographs, and more. Admission is included with entry to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with a limited number of timed tickets available each day. 

Step into the very studio where Dolly recorded iconic hits like I Will Always Love You, Coat of Many Colors, and Jolene on a tour of Historic RCA Studio B. Known as Nashville’s 'Home of 1,000 Hits,' this legendary studio is one of the city’s oldest and most storied recording spaces.

The Music City Walk of Fame celebrates those who have shaped the world through music—creators, performers, producers, and visionaries alike. Dolly received her star here in November 2009 saying, “It strikes me in a pure place in my heart and in my soul to know that I am part of this wonderful city and all of the wonderful things that have been here.”

Go behind the scenes of the Grand Ole Opry with a backstage tour that brings the stories of this iconic venue to life. Dolly made her Opry debut at just 13 years old in 1959, performing alongside her Uncle Bill Owens. She’s graced the stage countless times since, officially becoming a member in 1969.

Experience the legendary Ryman Auditorium, home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and the stage where Dolly was inducted in 1969. She returned decades later for her Dolly: Pure and Simple residency in 2015. Take a backstage tour of the 'Mother Church of Country Music' and discover mementos from Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and, of course, Dolly herself.

Dolly was among the first famous customers to stop by Tootsies, which shared an alleyway with Ryman Auditorium when she performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Today, you can spot her photo on Tootsie’s Wall of Fame. 

Searching for the perfect photo op? Explore the city's vibrant mural scene and find artistic tributes to Dolly Parton scattered across Music City—from Electric Dolly in Music Valley and Colorful Dolly in East Nashville to the iconic mural outside Acme on Broadway.

Head to the back patio of East Nashville’s quintessential dive bar and you will find Dolly’s Lemonade Stand—serving up frozen drinks and sweet treats all summer long. 

Set off on a full-day adventure with Gray Line Tennessee’s NEW Dollywood Day Trip from downtown Nashville. Enjoy roundtrip transportation to one of the world’s top theme parks with thrilling rides and live entertainment just outside of Dolly’s hometown in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.