Dolly Parton's iconic image is now gracing fields across the United States and Canada through a series of 20 corn mazes. These mazes serve as tributes to the late country music legend, actor, and philanthropist, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting her Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to children.
The initiative, which features Parton's likeness carved into cornfields, is part of an annual campaign by The Maize Inc., a consulting company that designs corn mazes. While the mazes were planned months before Parton's death on August 25 at age 80, her passing has lent the tributes a deeper significance.
Brett Herbst, founder of The Maize Inc., described Parton as a "true American treasure" and noted that her impact and love for farming are immeasurable. The company's previous honorees have included Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, and Lainey Wilson. Parton, who grew up in rural Tennessee, had expressed her support for the corn maze initiative prior to her death, encouraging people to "get lost in this year’s country music corn maze for a little fun, laughter and a real good reason to get lost."
One such maze is located at Twins BBQ in Brookfield, Connecticut, featuring a large portrait of Parton surrounded by the words "Dolly" and "An American Treasure." The co-owner, Danielle Gallop, shared that her initial understanding of Parton grew from attending a corn maze convention at Dollywood, where she was impressed by Parton's integrity, business acumen, and generosity. Gallop stated that Parton's passing "made it exponentially more meaningful" to be honoring her this year.
Visitors navigating the mazes often engage with Parton-themed trivia games and photo opportunities. While some sections are straightforward, others, particularly those depicting Parton's voluminous hair, can be quite challenging to navigate. Attendees have been observed dressing in concert with the theme, sporting cowboy boots, hats, and Parton-inspired attire, reflecting the widespread affection for the beloved entertainer.