Dolly Parton's Legacy Immortalized in Corn Mazes Across North America

Dolly Parton's iconic image is appearing in cornfields across the United States and Canada this fall. Twenty farms have designed elaborate corn mazes to celebrate the late country music legend, actor, and philanthropist, with proceeds supporting her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children.

The tributes come in the wake of Parton's death on August 25 in Nashville at the age of 80. Her passing prompted widespread admiration, including efforts to rename the country music capital's airport in her honor and a significant increase in online streams of her music.

The corn mazes, located in approximately a dozen states and two Canadian provinces, feature Parton's distinctive smile and wavy hair. Many also include Parton-themed trivia games and photo opportunities.

Brett Herbst, founder of The Maize Inc., the Utah-based company that designed the mazes, described Parton as a "true American treasure." He noted that while the mazes were conceived months before her death as part of an annual campaign honoring country music stars, her passing has imbued the tributes with new meaning. "Dolly’s impact on the world and her love for farming is immeasurable, and our corn maze tributes now take on new meaning and significance," Herbst said.

Parton, who grew up in rural Tennessee, had previously expressed gratitude for the organizers' support of her charity. In a statement provided by The Maize Inc., she encouraged the public 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 situated in Brookfield, Connecticut, featuring Parton's likeness beaming skyward, encircled by the words “Dolly” and “An American Treasure” along with a series of stars. Danielle Gallop, who co-owns the business where the maze is located, shared that her initial unfamiliarity with Parton at a recent corn maze convention was replaced by admiration for her integrity, business acumen, generosity, and kindness.

Gallop stated that Parton's passing made honoring her this year "exponentially more meaningful," calling her "such an icon." Visitors, some dressed in Parton-themed attire, have been enjoying the mazes, with many dressing up for the occasion.

According to Gallop, navigating Parton's voluminous hair presents the most challenging aspect of the maze, while the clearly written "Dolly" offers the easiest path. The owner noted that the most memorable part of the experience has been observing the outpouring of affection from visitors.

Previous honorees in The Maize Inc.'s annual campaign have included Reba McEntire in 2023, Luke Bryan in 2024, and Lainey Wilson in 2025.