Free, self-guided experience will connect visitors to nine downtown locations tied to Parton’s childhood and early career.
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Adventure Center) — Visitors will soon be able to walk through downtown Sevierville and follow in the footsteps of one of the city’s most famous daughters.
In Dolly’s Footsteps, a free, self-guided walking tour highlighting important moments from Dolly Parton’s early life, is set to open in October.
The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce will unveil the new tour next month, connecting nine downtown locations to Parton’s childhood, early performances and the people and places that helped shape her journey from Sevierville to stages around the world.
The experience will give visitors an opportunity to see downtown through Parton’s eyes, including the former theater where she performed her first paying gig and the location of Red’s Café, where visitors will be able to hear Parton recall her first visit through video.
The tour also explores the meaning behind Sevierville’s Dolly Parton statue and its special connection to the community that has long celebrated her.
Nine stops tell Dolly’s story
In Dolly’s Footsteps will feature nine locations throughout downtown Sevierville. Each stop will include a granite-and-bronze marker telling another part of Parton’s story.
Visitors will begin near the Dolly Parton statue at 125 Court Ave., where they can pick up a complimentary tour brochure outlining the route.
Guests can also use their smartphones to scan QR codes at stops along the way to access additional photographs, videos and stories.
Planned locations include:
- Red’s Café, circa 1964 — 119 Court Ave.
- Easy Way Five and Dime — 137 Bruce St.
- Dolly Parton statue — 125 Court Ave.
- Carr Dry Goods Co. — 140 Court Ave.
- Raymond’s Shoe Store — 110 Bruce St.
- Temple Milling Company — 106 W. Bruce St.
- Kilpatrick’s Drug Store — 159 Bruce St.
- Old Post Office — 163 Bruce St.
- The Pines Theater — 230 Court Ave.
The locations were selected to tell the story of Parton’s early years and the Sevierville community surrounding her.
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