Nashville is set to honour one of country music's most enduring figures with the opening of a new hotel and museum dedicated to Dolly Parton. The SongTeller Hotel and Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum will welcome guests from 29 September, just weeks after the singer's death at the age of 80.
Situated a short walk from Lower Broadway and the city's legendary music venues, the 245-room hotel is being described as Parton's "love letter" to Nashville. Her songwriting career and distinctive style are woven into the design of the rooms, suites and public spaces, offering fans an immersive experience in the heart of Tennessee's capital.
Music at the core
Music is central to the hotel's concept. Two entertainment venues will operate on site: Jolene's, a rooftop bar showcasing emerging Nashville singers and songwriters, and Parton's Live, which will focus on the city's rich songwriting culture through writers' rounds, sessions and showcases. These spaces aim to keep the spirit of Nashville's music scene alive while paying tribute to Parton's own creative journey.
The museum, occupying the entire third floor, spans 20,000 square feet and traces Parton's path from her childhood in the Great Smoky Mountains to her status as a global icon. Visitors begin with a recreation of the small cabin where she grew up, before exploring the people and places that shaped her career. Interactive exhibits, personal stories and rarely seen objects from her collection are featured throughout.
Parton's seven-decade career saw her sell more than 100 million records, with hits including "I Will Always Love You", "Jolene" and "9 to 5". Beyond music, she was an actress, philanthropist and businesswoman. Her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has become one of the state's biggest attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Following her death, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport announced plans to rename the airport in her honour. "Dolly Parton's extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state," Lee said. "At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state's favourite daughter and greet travellers with the enduring legacy of Dolly's music, generosity, faith and kindness."
The opening of the SongTeller Hotel and museum comes at a time when Europe's hotel scene is also expanding, with new properties from Bodrum to Samos. But for fans of Parton, this Nashville project offers a deeply personal connection to an artist whose influence crossed borders and generations.
As the city prepares to welcome visitors to this new cultural landmark, the hotel and museum stand as a testament to Parton's lasting impact on music and popular culture. Her legacy, like the songs she wrote, is likely to endure for decades to come.
