The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville has unveiled a vibrant and deeply personal new exhibition honoring one of music’s most beloved icons: Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker opened on May 20, 2025, and will remain on display through September 2026, giving fans and visitors the rare chance to walk through the milestones, struggles, and triumphs of a career that’s spanned more than six decades.
Rather than simply presenting a highlights reel of hits, this exhibit focuses on Parton’s persistent drive and unwavering spirit—her willingness to chase big dreams even when faced with critics, doubters, and industry expectations. The title, Journey of a Seeker, reflects Parton’s own view of herself and her career: a lifelong search for creativity, connection, and meaning.
Artifacts That Tell a Story
The exhibit is anchored by intimate artifacts and memorabilia that paint a vivid portrait of Parton’s life. Music fans will recognize treasures like the original handwritten lyrics to “Jolene”, one of her most enduring and iconic songs. Also on display is a custom Gibson five-string banjo adorned with rhinestones and butterflies, used during performances in the 1990s and early 2000s, highlighting Parton’s flair for costume and stagecraft.
One of the most fascinating pieces is the Sony portable cassette recorder Parton used to write some of her greatest hits—including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” and “The Seeker.” Seeing the very tool she carried while composing these classics offers a tangible connection to her creative process.
Visitors also encounter costumes from film and stage, such as a cowgirl outfit from 1980’s 9 to 5 and hand-painted boots from her Halos & Horns era. These pieces not only evoke her musical legacy but also her expansive work across film, television, and broader pop culture.
A Life Beyond Music
The exhibition goes beyond performance to highlight Parton’s impact on society and her philanthropic spirit. Included are displays celebrating the Imagination Library, the early literacy program she founded in 1995. What began with 1,700 books mailed to children in her home county has grown into an international initiative active across the U.S., Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the U.K.—a testament to Parton’s dedication to education and community.
Immersive and Inspiring
Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker also features exclusive interview footage, photographs, awards, and personal stories that illuminate the pivotal moments of her life—from her humble beginnings in a one-room cabin in the Smoky Mountains to global stardom. The exhibit doesn’t just recount facts; it reveals the emotional and personal journey behind the legend.
Accompanying programs, a curated official playlist, and an illustrated companion book help deepen the experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Dolly’s story for the first time, this exhibition offers an inspiring look at a woman who redefined success on her own terms.
With its blend of iconic memorabilia and heartfelt storytelling, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker is more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of courage, creativity, and the power of following your dreams.
You can purchase different Country Music Hall of Fame ticket packages ranging in price from $30 to $74. Different tours include the Museum, the Hatch Show Print Tour, or the Historic RCA Studio B Tour. For country music lovers young and old, The Country Music Hall of Fame is the mecca of all there is to know about the past, present, and future of country music.