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Home » Blog » Pigeon Forge Attractions » Dolly Parton Builds a Time Machine

Dolly Parton Builds a Time Machine

View of Smoky Mountains at sunsetAlthough we’ve heard there are a few Dolly Parton secrets, her time machine isn’t a secret she’s hiding. At Dollywood, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a time machine that will take them back to the days of Dolly Parton’s childhood!

Dolly was born near Sevierville, Tennessee in 1946 to Lee and Avie Lee Parton. She was the fourth of twelve children. The Parton family raised their large family in a one-bedroom cabin on Locust Ridge in Sevier County, where it still stands today. Being a tobacco farmer in a depressed rural Appalachian area made it difficult for Lee to support such a large family, and they were considered very poor.

Today, in the middle of the most visited Pigeon Forge attraction, visitors will find a replica of Dolly’s childhood home. The replica, at Dollywood, will take visitors back in time to the days of Dolly’s childhood. Constructed so tourists can view Dolly’s humble beginnings, the cabin was built by her brother, Bobby. Avie Lee designed the interior to look like the old home where she raised her children. The rooms display items that are mostly family treasures.

A narrow porch runs along the entire front of the rustic cabin. Visitors can imagine the family sitting in cane rockers, singing together and enjoying the sunset. Inside, visitors can view the few rooms of the cabin. The small dining area has walls that appear to be papered in old sheets newspaper and the wood-burning black cook stove sits in the corner. The kitchen area has pantry shelves with curtains to store canned goods. Cast iron skillets and other utensils hang from nails on the walls. A crude wooden china cabinet with no doors holds dishes. The bedroom holds an iron-framed bed with a small desk in the corner. Colorful quilts decorate the bed and chair, and pictures of family members adorn the walls.

Although merely a replica of the house where Dolly grew up, one can begin to understand the poverty that the family endured. However, the childhood mountain home was filled with much love and encouragement.

While you are visiting the Smoky Mountains, don’t miss out on visiting all of the great things to do in the area. Take a look at Visit My Smokies’ ‘Attractions’ page for a list of every Pigeon Forge attraction you won’t want to miss!