Why Dollywood’s newest exhibit makes Dolly Parton emotional: ‘I've lived it, I've done it’

Dolly Parton has been on a bubbly bright ride ever since she boarded a bus from Sevierville to Nashville in the early 1960s to make her mark on country music. Soon fans will be able to join Parton on that journey with a new Dollywood attraction that took Parton down memory lane as she helped develop it.

“It just makes you realize how old you are, for one thing, and you think ‘Well, how did I accomplish all that?’ when I see all the stuff and see it (come together in an exhibit) like that,” Parton joked with Knox News March 8 during the opening celebrations of Dollywood's 2024 season.

The Dolly Parton Experience is slated to open May 24. The interactive museum spans multiple buildings and tells the fascinating story of Parton’s life and career, including the inspirations behind her hit songs and iconic outfits and wigs.

What the Dolly Parton Experience means to Dolly Parton

“It stirs a lot of emotion in me,” Parton said about going through her archives and reflecting on her life for The Dolly Parton Experience.

The project brought up those forgotten moments that can't be displayed in a museum, like the fun backstage at a show, behind the scenes of a movie, or collaborating with a designer on a dress.

“I've just always loved my work and it's just been a way of life with me, and a lifestyle. So, it's not really like I think of it in the way that other people look at it,” she explained. “I've lived it and I've done it, but it just brings back a lot of memories to me.”

Some of the strongest memories are rooted in the support she had from her family and the faith they instilled in her that all things are possible.

“I've been blessed through the years,” Parton said. “If you've got love and you've got faith, and you've got dreams and you've got willingness to work, a lot of magical things can happen.”

Who Dolly Parton will always love

Carl Dean is a private man, but he’s a huge part of Parton’s story. The couple will have been together for 60 years come this spring, and married for 58, Parton told Knox News. And she’s previously said that when she’s at home, she’s Dolly Dean.

To honor the continued love and support of her husband, Carl Dean has a special place in the Dolly Parton Experience, too.

“He would have never before allowed me to even do that. But I didn’t even tell him I'm doing it. I'm just doing it,” she said. “He's older now. So, he can't balk too much. I won’t listen. But I think he deserves his own little spot.”

Dean has never wanted to be in the public spotlight and waves off any interview requests that come his way. But Parton has been able to share parts of their love story over the years and she says the strength of their relationship has contributed to her success.

“There's always that safety, that security,” she said. “He's a good man, and we've had a good life and he's been a good husband.”

She also expressed the support of her best friend, Judy Ogle. The two have been friends since elementary school.

“Having a good friend and a good husband, that's always been a great support system for me, along with my family,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of good pieces in my life that have really allowed me to do some of my best work.”

Dolly Parton’s commitment to philanthropy

A lot of Parton’s work is through her philanthropy. Leading Imagination Library, a free book gifting program for kids, is one was one of her proudest achievements. But she’s also donated millions of dollars for college scholarships, supported families affected by natural disasters and even helped fund the research for the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19.

“I see a need, I try to fill it, if I can,” Parton said of her commitment to philanthropic efforts. “If I feel that certain kind of tugging, knowing that I should do this or do that, I just follow my heart and my gut.”

A section of The Dolly Parton Experience is dedicated to the Imagination Library and Parton’s generosity.

Dollywood is now open for its 39^th season. It will be the park’s longest season ever, staying open for 280 days by adding 23 more days than last year. During the season’s opening ceremony, Parton said Dollywood is "one of the greatest things I've ever done."

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dolly Parton excited about Dolly Parton Experience museum at Dollywood