Dolly Parton ‘Artifacts’ Exhibit Includes Signature Outfits & More
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
Dolly Parton is a living icon. A new exhibit in Nashville features artifacts from her long career, including signature outfits and much more. Keep reading to find out more about the new exhibit.
Dolly Parton Honored By Time Magazine
Dolly Parton has been honored with tons of awards over the years. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. She nabbed an Emmy in 2021 for her role as producer on Netflix’s Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.
The only award she won’t accept is the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which she’s turned down multiple times from different Presidents. It’s not political; she just doesn’t think she deserves it. That kind of humble attitude is part of what fuels Dolly Parton’s success. She was among PEOPLE magazine’s “People of the Year” in 2021 for her activism funding and promoting the COVID vaccine.
Now the singer, actress, and producer can add another title of honor: philanthropist. She was named in TIME magazine‘s inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list. Other names on the list include former professional soccer player (and Victoria Beckham’s husband) David Beckham, Law & Order: SVU actress Mariska Hargitay and country singer Eric Church.
New Exhibit Features Her Signature Outfits, Hand-Written Lyrics & More
Dolly Parton’s life story is one of struggle followed by triumph. She grew up poor as one of twelve children in rural Tennessee. A family member recognized her talent and she made her Grand Ole Opry debut at just 13 years old.
The singer’s big break came as a performer on The Porter Wagoner Show. She left in 1974 to focus on her solo career. But that was an uphill battle, despite her earlier successes. One of the main things that stood in the way of her success was her appearance. Dolly Parton chose to dress flamboyantly and was often advised to tone it down.
Luckily she didn’t listen. Because now her fans can admire some of Dolly Parton’s most iconic outfits at the new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. According to PEOPLE magazine, some of the outfits on display are the dress the singer wore on the cover of her debut album and the cowgirl outfit she wore in the film 9 to 5.
But the exhibit is about more than Dolly Parton’s iconic style. The exhibit also has the original lyrics to “Jolene,” and a cassette recorder the singer used to record “I Will Always Love You.”
“I Will Always Love You Singer” Saved Some ‘Artifacts’ For Special Showing
The exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame runs through September 2026. But there will soon be a more permanent home for Dolly Parton’s most prized memorabilia. While she gave some to the new exhibit, she has storage full of other “artifacts” for an exhibit at the Storyteller Hotel she’s opening in downtown Nashville next year.
Queen @DollyParton checks out “Journey Of A Seeker,” new blockbuster exhibit on her at Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. It focuses on turning points in her life and 60+-year career & of course those stunning dresses. That museum’s exhibits are always great. We are not worthy! pic.twitter.com/8n78Q1iPmC
— Harvey G. Cohen (@CultrHack) May 20, 2025
“I did kind of cheat them a bit. I held on to some of my major things — but I was happy to share,” she said about holding onto some of her prized possessions for her own exhibit.
Let us know in the comments if you plan to visit the new Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit.
