If you’re a Dolly Parton fan, Dollywood isn’t the only place you’ll want to visit in the Smoky Mountains. Head over to the Sevier County Courthouse in downtown Sevierville and right on the lawn, you’ll find a bronze statue honoring one of the area’s most famous locals: Dolly Parton! It’s more than just a great place to snap a fun photo from your trip. It’s a spot that celebrates Dolly’s roots, her musical gifts, and the deep connection to her hometown. Whether you’re a longtime Dolly fan or just like finding local landmarks, here are 5 fun facts about the Dolly Parton Statue before you visit:
1. The Statue Was Unveiled in 1987
The Dolly Parton statue was revealed on May 3, 1987, with Dolly herself in attendance. A group of folks lined the courthouse lawn to celebrate in her honor. By that point in her career, Dolly was already an established superstar thanks to her music, acting, and songwriting. Even with the fame, Dolly never lost touch with Sevierville. The statue became a way for locals to say, “We’re proud you started here.”
2. Dolly’s Pictured as a Young Musician
One of the first things visitors notice about the Dolly Parton statue is that it doesn’t depict Dolly in all her on-stage glitz and glamour that many know her for. Instead, it shows a young, barefoot Dolly, sitting on a rock with her arms wrapped around her guitar. It’s a pose that takes you right back to her early days as a Sevier County native! She grew up right down the road in a tiny place called Locust Ridge, where she began writing songs before most kids even know what they want to be when they grow up.
3. The Artist is a Local, Too
The Dolly Parton statue was sculpted by local artist Jim Gray, who spent over 2,000 hours crafting the finished product. Gray built a skeleton of Dolly with steel, then used over 300 pounds of clay to bring her to life. After he was finished, the statue was shipped to Fredericksburg, Virginia to be cast in bronze. The statue is about 6 and a half feet tall, so you can’t miss it when walking by.
4. It Celebrates Dolly’s Sevierville Roots
Dolly has won endless awards and honors throughout her career, but this statue represents something especially meaningful. The people of Sevierville raised money to build the statue, which recognizes their very own local girl who made it big, but never forgot where she came from. Dolly has long supported causes throughout East Tennessee and often talks about how growing up in the Smokies shaped her life and career.
5. It’s a Top Photo Spot in Town
No trip to Sevierville is complete without capturing a photo of the Dolly Parton statue! Locals and visitors alike love snapping a shot with a true Smoky Mountain legend. It’s conveniently located downtown, making it easy to stop by during the rest of your adventures in town. After visiting, continue discovering all the special places Sevierville has to offer, from shops to restaurants, historic landmarks, and other attractions.
Visit the Dolly Parton Statue in Sevierville
The next time you visit Sevierville, make sure to check out the Dolly Parton statue to celebrate Dolly’s music, humble beginnings, and connection to the place that helped shape her! Want to know more about how Dolly grew up before you visit? Learn about Dolly Parton’s childhood home!
