“A statue worth $2.8 million will be built at the Tennessee Capitol to honor Dolly Parton — celebrating her music, kindness, and lasting legacy as America’s Queen of Country.”

Dolly Parton to Be Honored with Statue at Tennessee State Capitol

Nashville, Tenn. — Country music icon Dolly Parton will soon be honored with a permanent monument at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. The country music community has pledged $2.8 million to fund the statue, which will recognize her six-decade career and her deep connection to her home state.

The statue will be placed in a prominent spot on the Capitol grounds alongside other historic tributes. Supporters say the monument will celebrate not just her musical achievements, but also her role as a cultural ambassador, philanthropist, and symbol of resilience.

Parton, now 79, is widely regarded as the face of Tennessee’s cultural identity. Born in the Smoky Mountains of Sevierville, she rose from modest beginnings to worldwide fame, writing over 3,000 songs, selling more than 100 million records, and earning countless honors, from Grammys to the Library of Congress Living Legend Award. Her classics like “Jolene” and “9 to 5” captured the spirit of everyday struggles, women’s experiences, and timeless themes of love and hope.

Beyond music, Parton has made a lasting global impact through philanthropy. Her Imagination Library has provided over 270 million free books to children, while her Dollywood Foundation has supported education, healthcare, and disaster relief.

The statue, expected to be unveiled in 2026 for her 80th birthday, will likely depict Parton with her guitar, representing her dual legacy as a performer and storyteller.

For Tennesseans, the tribute is about more than music. “It’s about the people she came from and how she gave Tennessee a voice on the world stage,” said one resident.

Once unveiled, the monument will stand as a symbol of pride, celebrating not only Parton’s remarkable career but also the enduring spirit of Tennessee itself.