Musician Dolly Parton (1946-1926) is an icon known for her big bosom, big hair and her even bigger heart. Parton penned and recorded enduring classics such as "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," "I Will Always Love You," and "9 to 5" to name just a few. Dolly also successfully crossed over from country to pop then to rock in 2023. Parton was an actress and businesswoman who founded Dollywood in East Tennessee which transform that region into a major tourism destination. She earned numerous major honors including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. She also established the Imagination Library which has provided millions of books to children around the globe.

At the newly opened Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville.

Although the world recently lost this bright star, she is still very much alive at the Life of Many Colors Museum located on the third floor of Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel (126 3rd Avenue N) in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Here, fans are invited to experience Dolly's expansive career and most personal memories through the eyes of the icon herself. The Life of Many Colors Museum is the largest exhibit celebrating Parton's legacy. It spans every dynamic decade, from the top of the mountains to the top of the world.

We had the pleasure of visiting Nashville's newest music museum on Monday, October 26, 2026. The outdoor courtyard was welcoming as was everyone associated with the Life of Many Colors Museum. One of the guides told us that Dolly was instrumental in the vision - deeply influencing the colors, displays, flow and feel of the premises - inside and out

A replica of the original Coat of Many Colors - the original hangs in Dollywood.

The first two rooms featured videos of Dolly welcoming us while telling us that she has lots of stories to share starting with "My Tennessee Mountain Home". We found ourselves in a replica of her childhood cabin with the only luxury being a radio. Parton enthused about her love of music and how the Owens side of the family encouraged her in the early days.

Next, was the Wishy Washy Laundromat where Dolly met her husband Carl Dean back in 1964. Another space was dedicated to Parton's association with mentor Porter Wagoner. As we walked through each exhibit, the decor changed and we were treated to a treasure trove of personal items such as handwritten lyrics, glamorous stage wear paired with fabulous footwear, jewelry, movie posters and more.

A re-creation of Dolly's Brentwood writing room has found a home on the third floor.

Many of the rooms featured videos of the Iron Butterly sharing her tales as only she can tell them. There were exhibits of albums, awards, collaborations, Dollywood and the Imagination Library. The colorful bookroom was a tribute to Dolly’s hardworking father who could not read. So, in his honor, Dolly founded her literacy program and since 1995 has given away millions of books.

Dolly Parton was an exceptional entrepreneur, performer, philanthropist, and songwriter whose music drew heavily from Appalachian storytelling traditions, thus also making her an important cultural ambassador for East Tennessee. The Many Colors Museum is a sparkling tribute to Dolly - telling her rags to rhinestone story in a vibrant fashion – so come experience all the glitter and gold for yourself!

A colorful look at Dolly's re-imagined Imagination Library.

Related Links: For more information on DOLLY PARTON and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum | Dolly Parton