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Just weeks after her death, it has been confirmed that Dolly Parton’s new hotel and museum will officially open on 29 September in downtown Nashville.
Located steps from Lower Broadway and a host of venues in “Music City”, Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel and Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum will celebrate the country music star’s life and career in the heart of Tennessee’s capital.
The 245-room SongTeller Hotel has been described as Parton’s “love letter” to Nashville, with her songwriting career and iconic style woven throughout its rooms, suites and public spaces.
Music plays a starring role at the new hotel, which features two entertainment venues: Jolene’s, a top-floor bar hosting performances from emerging Nashville singers and songwriters, and Parton’s Live, which will focus on the city’s songwriting culture through writers’ rounds, sessions and showcases.
Occupying the entire third floor of the hotel, the 20,000-square-foot Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum will trace Parton’s journey from her childhood in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains to becoming one of the world’s most recognisable entertainers.
The experience begins with a recreation of the small cabin where she grew up before exploring the people and places that shaped her career. Interactive exhibits, personal stories and rarely seen objects from her collection will feature throughout.
Parton, who died on 25 August aged 80, had a seven-decade career in which she sold more than 100 million records, including hits such as “I Will Always Love You”, “Jolene” and “9 to 5”.
While globally known for her musical legacy, she was also an actress, philanthropist and businesswoman. In tourism, her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has grown into one of the state’s biggest attractions.
Following her death, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport announced their intention to rename the airport in her honour.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said. “At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favourite daughter and greet travellers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith and kindness.”