Tennessee Mountain Home: Take a Look Inside Dolly Parton’s Childhood Home
We often hear the question, “Where is Dolly Parton from?” and while the short and most common answer is Sevierville, we’re here to explain it more in detail! Long before she was a country music legend, Dolly Parton was growing up in a small, 1-bedroom log cabin in Sevierville, TN. She and her family members didn’t have much, but they didn’t need much other than each other. Dolly’s Smoky Mountain home holds a special place in her heart, so special that she has a replica of the home in Dollywood for visitors to see! Visit My Smokies has all the info on Dolly Parton’s childhood home and how you can take a look inside:
Dolly Parton’s Childhood Home
Dolly Parton’s childhood home may not be quite what you’d expect. Dolly was raised in a small 2-room home with no electricity and no running water (unless you were willing to run and get it). She said they used to catch fireflies in mason jars and keep them in their rooms for light. Despite not having much, as they were growing up, none of them ever thought of themselves as “poor.” Dolly said they were rich in things that money couldn’t buy, like love, kindness and understanding.
The cabin has a kitchen with a table that seats 6, a small pantry and stove, a washing basin between the kitchen and bedroom, and a two-thirds wall separating the kitchen from the only bedroom in the house. Her childhood home still stands today on Locust Ridge Rd. in Sevierville, TN. It wasn’t much of a house, but it was a home to Dolly and her family. The country singer even wrote a song about her home and growing up called “My Tennessee Mountain Home.” The song wasn’t the only way Dolly chose to commemorate her childhood home. You can take a look inside her childhood home when you visit Dollywood!
Visit Her Tennessee Mountain Home at Dollywood
The replica of Dolly Parton’s childhood home stands close to the entrance at Dollywood. It’s definitely worth taking a look around before exploring the rest of the park. The replica was built by her brother Bobby, and the interior was designed by her mother. A majority of the items that you’ll see throughout the cabin are the original family treasures. When you step inside, you’ll see that the kitchen walls are covered with floral wallpaper and old newspapers, and the table is set with plates and aluminum coffee cups. Shelves are lined with jars and tins, and baskets filled with firewood sit on the floors. In the bedroom, you’ll find one bed with a couch pushed against it and old photographs of her parents hanging above the bed.
Outside of the replica for the Dolly Parton home, you’ll find a sign that reads, “These mountains and my childhood home have a special place in my heart. They inspire my music and my life. I hope being here does the same for you! Dolly.”
Coming Soon to Dollywood: The Dolly Parton Experience
If you loved the chance to see the replica of Dolly Parton’s childhood home, then you’ll love this brand new addition coming to Dollywood in the 2024 season: The Dolly Parton Experience! This experience will feature a number of interactive elements that will make guests feel as if they were right alongside Dolly as she grew up and journeyed from Locust Ridge to stages around the world. The exhibits will highlight her signature Dolly Parton style and span her iconic career, her biggest dreams, and the importance of family. You won’t want to miss this new experience at Dollywood in spring of 2024!
Would you love to plan your trip to Dollywood to see inside the replica of Dolly Parton’s childhood home and get a feel for how the country star grew up, or get a head start on planning your visit for to explore the Dolly Parton Experience? Get all the info you need to know about Dollywood ticket prices, then start planning your visit!
