Dolly Parton’s Journey Shines in New Country Music Hall of Fame® Exhibit, Journey of a Seeker

Get ready, Dolly fans—Nashville’s shining a rhinestone-studded spotlight on the one and only Dolly Parton like never before. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is unveiling a brand-new exhibit dedicated to the country music icon, and it’s as bold, brilliant, and heartfelt as Dolly herself. Titled Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, the exhibit officially opens its doors on May 20 and will run all the way through September 2026. And trust us—this isn’t your average walk down memory lane.

According to the press release, Journey of a Seeker promises to take fans through pivotal moments in Dolly’s more than 60-year career, highlighting the defining times when she turned obstacles into opportunities and kept dreaming big despite the doubters. From a Smoky Mountain cabin with no running water to the glittering heights of global fame, this is the story of a woman who refused to let anything—or anyone—dim her sparkle.

“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life,” Dolly shared in the press release. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.” (Is anyone else tearing up already?)

What You’ll See: From “Jolene” to the Grammys

The exhibit is packed with personal artifacts, legendary wardrobe pieces, and career-defining memorabilia. Among the treasures on display? The original handwritten lyrics to “Jolene,” a custom rhinestone-adorned Gibson banjo, and the cassette recorder Dolly used to pen “I Will Always Love You.” You’ll also spot her dazzling “9 to 5” cowgirl outfit and the butterfly-emblazoned boots from her Halos & Horns photoshoot.

But that’s just the beginning.

Other standout items include the Kennedy Center Honors medallion she received in 2006, her Tony Chase-designed duet dress for a Miss Piggy collab (yes, really), and a bedazzled pantsuit from her 1975 tour with the Traveling Family Band. And for anyone who remembers that unforgettable 2019 Grammy tribute, the rhinestone-covered platform mules Dolly wore that night will be there, too.

A Life of Perseverance and Purpose

Journey of a Seeker digs deep into the story behind the glitter, showcasing Dolly’s unwavering resolve to chart her own course. According to the press release, one display recalls how a 13-year-old Dolly made her Grand Ole Opry debut by persuading Jimmy C. Newman to give her his time slot—after an Opry manager said she was too young to perform.

From defying record execs who doubted her bold fashion choices to proving critics wrong when she crossed into pop territory with 1977’s Here You Come Again, the exhibit is all about Dolly’s refusal to play by anyone’s rules but her own.

The exhibit also shines a light on her philanthropic work—most notably the creation of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, founded in 1995 to promote childhood literacy in honor of her father. What started as a local initiative in Sevier County has since grown into a global program that has mailed out millions of books to kids in five countries.

As Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, puts it: “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.”

More Than an Exhibit—It’s an Experience

Timed-entry tickets will be available each day and are included with general admission—though you’ll want to grab yours early, as demand is expected to be high. The museum’s website has all the info on advance reservations and availability.

In addition to the main exhibit, visitors can look forward to supporting programming throughout its run, including family-friendly arts and crafts sessions, educational events, and an exclusive display dedicated to Dolly’s Imagination Library in the Taylor Swift Education Center.

Plus, there’s more to take home than just memories. An in-depth companion book, complete with historical photos, artifacts, and Dolly’s own reflections on her biggest songs—including “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Jolene”—will be available in the museum store beginning May 20 (and is up for presale now). And for the playlist lovers? The official exhibit playlist will hit all major streaming platforms on opening day.

Dolly’s Legacy, On Full Display

A true renaissance woman, Dolly Parton has racked up honors from the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame—and let’s not forget the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. This new exhibit offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the grit, glam, and guts it took to get there.

So whether you’re a lifelong Dolly devotee or just discovering the magic of the Smoky Mountain songbird, Journey of a Seeker is a must-see experience—and a reminder that with heart, hustle, and a little sparkle, anything is possible.

For more information and tickets, visit CountryMusicHallOfFame.org.