Apr 9, 2025 - Things to Do

Country Music Hall of Fame announces new Dolly Parton exhibit

Adam Tamburin

Hand-written lyrics to the song "Jolene" on aged pieces of paper. — The original draft of Dolly Parton's classic song "Jolene." Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In 1972, Dolly Parton scribbled the lyrics to a new song called "Jolene" on some pieces of paper.

Why it matters: The song went on to become an all-time classic, making those papers a part of music history. Music fans will be able to see them and many other priceless artifacts from Parton's career at a new exhibit coming soon to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

State of play: "Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker" opens on May 20, the museum announced Wednesday. It will revisit turning points in Parton's 60-year career, like her first Grand Ole Opry appearance at 13 years old, her pop crossover and her star turn in the 1980 film "9 to 5."

What she's saying: Parton said the exhibit and its name summed up her unrelenting approach to music, professional endeavors and her personal life.

"I have always been a seeker in every way," she said in an announcement video.
"I'm always trying to find another mountain to climb."

Zoom in: Items in the exhibit include Parton's Kennedy Center Honors medallion, a 1930s Gibson guitar she received as a gift from her brother Floyd and the tape recorder she used while writing "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You" and "The Seeker."

Of course, because it's Parton, there will also be several dazzling outfits she wore as she crafted her larger-than-life persona.

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Country Music Hall of Fame announces new Dolly Parton exhibit

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