Dolly Parton's final major project, the SongTeller Hotel and its accompanying Life of Many Colors Museum, has opened in Nashville, Tennessee. The £96 million development, which includes a 245-room hotel and a 20,000-square-foot museum on the third floor, transforms a former office building into a maximalist tribute to the country music superstar.
The hotel's exterior is adorned with a 20-foot guitar and a large rainbow mural. Its location near Nashville's Lower Broadway offers proximity to the city's entertainment district while aiming to minimize noise disruption for guests. Marketing executive Brittany Fryman noted that Parton identified the building and directed the project forward. Due to an existing tenant, 60 of the hotel rooms are slated for completion in spring/summer 2027.
The Life of Many Colors Museum offers a 90-minute immersive experience, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to present Parton's life and career. Holographic footage recorded by Parton in March, shortly before her death at age 80 from cancer, is featured throughout the museum. In these recordings, Parton narrates her own story, appearing in various formats including picture frames and retro television screens.
Exhibits include a replica of her childhood cabin in the Smoky Mountains, clips from her early television appearances, and a display of her iconic stage costumes. The museum also showcases never-before-seen items, such as Parton's simple wedding dress hand-stitched by her mother in 1966, which was discovered two years ago. A culminating exhibit features a holographic performance of Parton singing a medley of her hits, including "I Will Always Love You."
The hotel also features dining and entertainment venues, including Jolene's lounge bar and Parton's Live, a music and dinner space. Guest rooms incorporate unique character, such as murals made from fan ticket stubs and vinyl record players. The Six Sisters Suite, inspired by Parton's bond with her siblings, offers views of the Nashville skyline.
Beyond Nashville, Parton's legacy is also visible at her Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, which opened earlier in the year, serving food and fuel. The Grand Ole Opry remains a significant landmark in the city, where Parton first performed at age 13. Further afield, her childhood home in Locust Ridge and the bronze statue in Sevierville commemorate her roots in East Tennessee. Dollywood, the theme park she opened in 1986 in Pigeon Forge, continues to honor her heritage with rides, Southern-style dining, and craft stalls.
