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By Michaela Gordoni
The “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker” exhibition is coming to Nashville May 20, and it’s just the beginning of all the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has in store for Dolly fans.
The exhibition will run into late next year, until Sept. 2026, Variety reported April 9. It will feature Parton’s famous instruments, hand-penned song lyrics, as well as her flashy outfits. The exhibits will explore transitions in the Teddy Bear Award® winner’s career.
“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,” the “9 to 5” singer said in a statement. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”
A few of the items that will be displayed are Parton’s Gibson L-30 archtop acoustic guitar that was given to her by her brother Floyd Parton and a Lucy Adams-designed dress with a butterfly-shaped rhinestone design that Parton wore on THE PORTER WAGONER SHOW and the cover of the 1974 Porter ‘n’ Dolly album, per PR Newswire.
A book about her work, musical tools and songwriting will also be released on May 20, as well as a playlist to accompany the exhibit. The book features 85 archival photos and can be pre-ordered on the museum store’s website.
“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,” said Kyle Young, the museum’s CEO. “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 museum will host panel discussions, lectures and concerts simultaneously with the exhibition. The first concert, called Smokey Mountain DNA, will occur on June 7.
It will feature “Owens-Parton family historian, archivist, producer, and bandleader Richie Owens, along with an ensemble of Parton’s family members, who are acclaimed singer-songwriters themselves. Sharing the music and stories that raised Parton, this musical journey through time will leave attendees with a true understanding of where Parton came from and why she still draws so much inspiration from her East Tennessee roots.”
A book Parton wrote called Star of the Show: My Life on Stage will come out in November. Then on Dec. 7, the museum will have a panel discussion with author and historian Robert K. Oermann and Billboard writer Tom Roland on Parton’s touring success.
Two days ahead of Parton’s birthday on Jan. 19, there will be a panel on Parton’s book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones with Holly George-Warren and Rebecca Seaver, Parton’s co-writers and Steve Summers, costumer and creative director for Dolly Parton Enterprises.
Parton is keeping busy at her ripe age of 79. Last year, she announced plans for a new hotel and museum in Nashville and a Broadway musical, “Hello, I’m Dolly: An Original Musical,” which is set to launch next year.
“I tried for years, how to do my life story and make it make sense. I needed to write some original music. I’m hoping you’re gonna laugh and cry,” Parton said about the musical.
From books and shows to exhibitions and musicals, Parton is making sure fans have a host of ways they can enjoy the legendary artist’s life, music and legacy.
Read Next: A Look Back at Dolly Parton’s Impressive Career as a Musician, Actress and Humanitarian
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