Experience Dolly Parton in Nashville: A Traveler's Guide

A Dolly-Themed Travel Guide to Nashville

Dolly Parton is a name that resonates deeply with country music. It's no surprise, then, that the legendary artist has chosen Nashville, Tennessee, as the location for her latest endeavor: Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel. This new hotel will feature 245 elevated accommodations, entertainment venues, on-site dining, and a museum dedicated to honoring Dolly’s signature style and lifelong legacy. The property is scheduled to open in spring of 2026.

Shannon Foster, the general manager of the hotel, explained that the name wasn’t chosen randomly. Foster defines a “songteller” as someone who tells a story through music. “This is a craft that goes beyond songwriting to capture emotions, stories, and an authentic, yet timeless experience,” she said. The hotel will weave the songteller concept into every aspect of the guest experience, from thoughtfully curated design elements that bring Parton's musical legacy to life, to immersive spaces that invite guests to engage with storytelling in innovative ways.

If you're planning to visit Nashville before the hotel opens in 2026, there are plenty of ways to experience a Dolly-themed trip now.

Grand Ole Opry

Parton made her Grand Ole Opry debut when she was just 10 years old and became a member in 1969. Although the Opry is already likely to be at the top of every country music fan's bucket list, visitors might not know that Parton and other members have on-site mailboxes, and you can send her good old-fashioned paper letters, dropping them off at the Opry. You'll see her mailbox and Opry dressing rooms, and can even stand on the iconic Ryman wooden circle if you snag tickets to a backstage tour.

Address: 600 Opry Mills Dr., Nashville, TN 37214

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

Some of the biggest stars in the world play in the honky-tonks on Lower Broadway; they just haven't been discovered yet. Legends like Parton and Willie Nelson performed at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge early in their careers, and the talent is no less exciting today. If you'd like to check it out, it won't be hard to find. The iconic venue is renowned for its prime location near the Ryman Auditorium, its distinctive purple exterior, and its rooftop deck.

Address: 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Dolly-Themed Murals

Located next to Tootsie's, Legend's Corner features daily live music. It's best to visit during the day so you can view artist Tim Davis' mural on the exterior wall in the sunlight. In addition to Parton, the mural depicts country music luminaries such as Blake Shelton, Loretta Lynn and Charlie Pride. Davis updates the mural on occasion to add new stars and reflect current trends. He once controversially replaced an image of a young Taylor Swift with the likeness of Brad Paisley.

You'll also find a Dolly mural painted by Kim Radford outside The 5 Spot, a live music venue in East Nashville. If it sounds familiar, it's probably because the bar was featured in season one of the television show Nashville.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

In 1999, Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, which currently features a special exhibit called "Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker." The exhibit showcases pivotal moments in Parton's storied career as a singer, songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman and philanthropist. Other highlights at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum include Johnny Cash's guitar and Elvis Presley's gold Cadillac.

Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, TN 37203

Graduate Nashville

Although Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel doesn't open until next spring, there are still plenty of Dolly vibes at Graduate Nashville. The hotel is a celebration of country music, with guest rooms featuring portraits of songstresses like Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette and, of course, Dolly. The rooftop bar, White Limozeen, is named for Parton's 1989 album. The decor is pink, frilly and feminine, much like Dolly herself. Don't miss the onsite venue, Crazy Crosseyed Critters Watering Hole, where singers take the stage with an animatronic animal backup band.

Address: 101 20th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203

Dolly Parton's Compound

12 South is one of Nashville's trendiest neighborhoods, where sidewalks are lined with boutiques, consignment stores, restaurants and bars. It wasn't always that way. Parton is credited with revitalizing the neighborhood through earnings from the Whitney Houston cover of her song, "I Will Always Love You." Parton continues to own a mission-style compound on 12th Street, which is said to house an office and studio. Although the complex isn't open to the public, you can take a peek over the fence. Rumor holds that if a tour bus is parked outside, it means Dolly is in town.