Free, self-guided tour features nine historic locations tied to the country music icon’s early years in her hometown.
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Adventure Center) — Visitors can explore Dolly Parton’s early years and the places that helped shape her journey to worldwide stardom through a new walking tour launching Friday, Oct. 16, in historic downtown Sevierville.
“In Dolly’s Footsteps” is a free, self-guided experience connecting nine downtown locations to the country music legend’s childhood and early career. Each stop features a granite-and-bronze marker sharing stories about Parton’s life and her connections to her hometown.
The tour begins near the Dolly Parton statue, where visitors can pick up a complimentary brochure outlining the route. Participants also can scan QR codes at each stop with their mobile devices to access additional photos, videos and stories.
Stops include the former Pines Theater, where Parton performed her first paying gig, and Red’s Café, where visitors can watch a video of her recalling her first visit to the restaurant. The tour also explores the significance of the statue that has become a symbol of the community’s affection for its hometown star.
The project highlights the people, experiences and places that helped shape Parton’s journey from Sevierville to stages around the world.
The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce began developing the tour in 2023 with assistance from Sevier County Historian Carroll McMahan. The chamber also worked closely with Dollywood to ensure Parton approved the locations and supported the project.
“We are honored to share Dolly’s hometown story with the world,” said Amanda Marr, the chamber’s director of marketing and communications. “Not everything looks just as it did all those years ago, but our hope is to share what downtown Sevierville was like for Dolly as faithfully as possible by highlighting the locations with stories, videos, and images to bring those memories to life.”
The nine stops include:
- Red’s Café, 119 Court Ave.
- Dolly Parton statue, 125 Court Ave.
- Carr Dry Goods Co., 140 Court Ave.
- Temple Milling Company, 106 W. Bruce St.
- Raymond’s Shoe Store, 110 W. Bruce St.
- Easy Way Five and Dime, 137 W. Bruce St.
- Kilpatrick’s Drug Store, 139 W. Bruce St.
- Old Post Office, 167 W. Bruce St.
- The Pines Theater, 230 Court Ave.
The walking tour offers visitors and residents an opportunity to learn more about Sevierville’s history while discovering the hometown connections behind one of country music’s most recognizable performers.
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