From the Grand Ole Opry to the brand-new Songteller Hotel, here’s how you can explore Nashville through the eyes of Dolly Parton…
Nashville, the world’s music mecca, has launched countless stars, yet none are more iconic than the “Queen of Country,” Dolly Parton. As she prepares to celebrate her 80th birthday in 2026, the Tennessee-born superstar, who has sold over 100 million records, continues to define Music City’s legacy.
In spring 2026, British fans can experience her world firsthand at the brand-new Songteller Hotel, located steps from the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame. From her early 9-to-5 hustle to her $1 million contribution to Vanderbilt University for vaccine research, Dolly’s influence transcends music. Having called Nashville home for over 60 years, she remains its most beloved ambassador. Here are the best ways to experience Nashville, Dolly-style.
Dolly Parton’s Songteller Hotel to open in 2026
Opening June 2026, Nashville’s Songteller Hotel is a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton’s life, legacy, and musical spirit. The hotel blends soulful design and live entertainment with immersive storytelling, where guests can explore Dolly’s journey from the Smoky Mountains to stardom at the on-site “Dolly’s Life of Many Colors” Museum, featuring iconic costumes and never-before-seen memorabilia. With themed suites and rooftop skyline views, the hotel brings Nashville’s songwriting heritage to life, offering fans a unique connection to one of country music’s most beloved voices.
Revel in the history of the Ryman Auditorium
The iconic Ryman Auditorium, the “Mother Church of Country Music,” served as the Grand Ole Opry’s home from 1943 to 1974. It was on this hallowed stage that a young Dolly Parton was inducted into the Opry family in 1969, cementing her status as a musical icon. Today, fans can walk in her footsteps on self-guided tours or experience the “Soul of Nashville,” an immersive theatre journey. Utilising holograms and archival footage, this multidimensional experience brings the Ryman’s history and its impact on America’s musical legacy to life for a new generation.
Experience the Grand Ole Opry like a star
The Grand Ole Opry, which celebrated 100 years in 2025, is where Dolly Parton debuted at age 13, launching her journey to becoming one of its most iconic stars. Today, fans can honour her legacy through the Women of Country Tour, an exclusive 45-minute backstage experience for guests aged 21 and over. Featuring champagne, pastries, and a state-of-the-art theater experience, the tour provides rare access to the artist entrance, themed dressing rooms, and the “Honky-Tonk Angels” and “Glitz & Glamour” rooms. The highlight is a centre-stage moment on the legendary wooden circle, bringing fans closer to the sparkle and trailblazing spirit of the powerhouse women who have shaped country music.
Take a tour of Historic RCA Studio B
Historic RCA Studio B played a pivotal role in Dolly Parton’s career, famously marked by the time she crashed her car into the building while rushing to her first session; the mismatched brickwork remains visible today. The studio later birthed legendary hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “Coat of Many Colors.” Now a preserved museum, the space retains its original decor and equipment, allowing visitors to follow in Dolly’s footsteps on Music Row and experience the birthplace of some of her greatest recordings.
Discover musical greats in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Inducted in 1999, Dolly Parton revolutionised country music for female artists, a legacy celebrated today at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In honour of her 80th birthday, the 2026 exhibition “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker” offers an intimate look at her rise to stardom through iconic costumes and personal artifacts. Visitors can also explore Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest working letterpress shops, to create their own commemorative posters. By bridging Nashville’s past and present, the museum remains a vital destination for fans to experience how Dolly’s influence continues to transcend the genre.
Explore a pink paradise at The Graduate’s Dolly Parton-inspired rooftop bar
Perched atop the Graduate Hotel, White Limozeen is a lavish rooftop tribute to Dolly’s 1989 album and signature style. Draped in pink from head to toe, the venue features crystal chandeliers, fuchsia velvet seating, and a larger-than-life pink Dolly sculpture. Offering a rooftop pool and panoramic Music City views, this quirky cocktail bar celebrates Dolly’s “rags-to-riches” narrative, inviting guests to channel their inner star in the heart of Nashville.
Peruse Printer’s Alley
Once Nashville’s publishing hub, Printer’s Alley is now a vibrant alternative to the Broadway crowds. Following her 1964 graduation, Dolly Parton began performing in the alley’s public venues, establishing it as her early “stomping ground.” Today, visitors can explore historic spots like the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar or the legendary Skull’s Rainbow Room, which offers craft cocktails and nightly burlesque. By bridging its storied past with a lively present, Printer’s Alley remains an essential stop for fans tracing Dolly’s rise to stardom.
Meander the murals of Music City
Beyond her chart-topping music, Dolly Parton’s philanthropy, most notably her Imagination Library, which has gifted over 300 million books globally, has left an indelible mark on Nashville. Fans can explore this legacy through the city’s vibrant street art, including the “Parton Saint of Nashville” mural at Tomacco Tacos + Tequila. At Hume-Fogg High School, a mural by Kim Radford pays tribute to Dolly’s literacy work, while her iconic piece at The 5 Spot honors the singer’s social activism. These “Instagrammable” landmarks offer a colorful journey through Music City, celebrating a star who continues to give back to her community.
These are just a few ways you can explore Nashville in the footsteps of Dolly Parton, immersing yourself in the destination in the best possible way! Are you heading there soon? Let us know what you plan on doing in the comments!
