Fans gathered along Commerce Street for the opening ceremony, as colorful butterfly confetti rained down in a tribute to Parton’s signature butterfly motif.
On display at the hotel and interactive museum are Parton’s vintage stage costumes, pop art, gold records, and rare handwritten notes. The complex also highlights her philanthropic work, including her free book-gifting program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
"There's a very large team involved in this and they were involved from the beginning. We wanted it to be perfect. We wanted it to represent Dolly's warmth and character and spirit," said co-founder Mike Ostendorf of AOA, the company behind the project.
Gage Briany, a fan attending the opening ceremony, said: "When I walked through this building, I was overcome... I started bawling immediately. I have loved Dolly Parton since I was a little boy. And as soon I walked through the door, I just... you can feel her presence here. It was incredible."
The complex is now open to the public, offering visitors a chance to learn more about Parton’s music, style, and career.
