The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will launch a major new exhibition dedicated to Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker will open on May 20, 2025, and remain on display until September 2026. The exhibit will highlight Parton’s extraordinary 60-year career, showcasing the pivotal moments when she defied expectations, challenged industry norms, and became an inspiration for generations of fans.
The exhibition is included with museum admission. However, due to limited availability, timed tickets must be reserved in advance through the museum’s website.
Exploring Dolly’s Career and Legacy
Journey of a Seeker will take visitors on a deep dive into how Parton’s passion, resilience, and authenticity shaped her journey. From her early life in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to her rise as an international icon, the exhibit will feature rare artifacts, handwritten lyrics, stage costumes, instruments, photographs, and exclusive video content, showcasing her transformation and influence.
Highlighted items in the exhibit include:
Handwritten lyrics to “Jolene”
A Sony cassette recorder used to write “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” and “The Seeker”
The white Gibson banjo used during her 1992 performances and on her 2002 Halos & Horns Tour
The cowgirl outfit worn in the 1980 film 9 to 5
Her Kennedy Center Honors medallion from 2006
Rhinestone-covered platform mules worn at the 2019 Grammy Awards
Iconic dresses and suits from every stage of her career, including appearances on The Porter Wagoner Show, the Dolly album, and the 2023 Rockstar album photo shoots
Milestones and Moments of Impact
The exhibition will spotlight key moments that defined Parton’s legacy. It will detail how she resisted pressure to conform and instead followed her own path:
At age 13, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut after convincing another artist to give up their time slot
She embraced bold fashion choices early in her career, despite criticism from record executives
In 1977, she released Here You Come Again, a groundbreaking album that earned her her first Grammy and launched her acting career with 9 to 5
In 1995, she founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that promotes early childhood literacy. It now operates in all 50 states and internationally
Supporting Programs and Materials
The exhibition will be accompanied by several additional features, including:
An illustrated companion book with photographs, artifacts, and Parton’s commentary on four of her most famous songs: “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” and “Coat of Many Colors”
A playlist available on all major streaming platforms starting May 20
A full schedule of public programs and family activities throughout the exhibit’s run
A special display in the Taylor Swift Education Center, celebrating Parton’s contributions to literacy through the Imagination Library
A Legacy of Excellence
Born in rural Tennessee as one of twelve children, Dolly Parton’s journey is a testament to hard work, musical passion, and an unwavering belief in her dreams. Today, she is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her numerous accolades include the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors.
Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker offers fans a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of one of country music’s most beloved figures, while reflecting on how her heart, humor, and courage have impacted both her personal story and the broader cultural landscape.
Related Topics
