Dolly Parton's new SongTeller hotel and museum in Nashville is pitch-perfect tribute to Queen of Country - but the footage she recorded before her death is hard to watch

Nashville has recently welcomed a landmark establishment celebrating the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, the legendary country music icon who passed away in August 2023. The SongTeller Hotel, accompanied by the Life of Many Colors Museum, opened its doors in late September, just weeks after Parton's death at age 80. This £96 million project transforms a former downtown office building into a vibrant homage to Parton's extraordinary career and philanthropic spirit.

Situated near Nashville’s famed Lower Broadway, the hotel’s location balances proximity to the city’s energetic music scene with a setting designed for guest comfort. Its striking exterior features a towering 20-foot guitar and a vast rainbow mural, embracing a bold pink-and-white aesthetic that reflects Parton's flamboyant style. The hotel encompasses 245 rooms, though due to tenant negotiations, approximately 60 rooms are scheduled for completion by mid-2027.

Central to the complex is the 20,000-square-foot Life of Many Colors Museum, which offers visitors an immersive experience of Parton’s life journey. Utilizing advanced holographic technology, the museum features footage of Parton recorded just months before her passing, allowing her to narrate her story in a vivid, personal manner across various displays. This approach creates a poignant and intimate atmosphere, bridging the gap between the artist and her fans.

Exhibits trace Parton's humble beginnings in the Appalachian Mountains, including a detailed replica of her childhood cabin where she lived with her large family. The museum showcases rare artifacts like her 1966 wedding dress, hand-stitched by her mother and rediscovered only recently. Illuminating her rise from a young Appalachian girl to a global superstar, the museum also highlights her television debut alongside Porter Wagoner, a pivotal figure in her early career.

The collection further celebrates Parton’s distinctive fashion legacy, exhibiting an array of her iconic wigs, towering heels, and sequined stage costumes. The museum culminates with a mini-concert experience featuring a holographic performance of her greatest hits, including a moving rendition of "I Will Always Love You," offering a deeply emotional tribute for both longtime admirers and new fans alike.

Beyond the museum, the hotel’s amenities continue the homage. On the 11th floor, Jolene’s lounge offers cocktails inspired by Parton’s Tennessee roots, blending local flavors with a sophisticated atmosphere overlooking the Cumberland River. The dining options include urban small plates complemented by signature dishes reflecting Parton’s culinary tastes, such as glazed pork belly skewers reminiscent of her call for "meat on a stick."

Music remains central to the venue’s identity, with Parton’s Live positioned as a dynamic performance space for country artists and emerging songwriters. The design includes playful touches such as a guitar-shaped table, inviting guests to engage in the creative process. Meanwhile, the hotel rooms maintain a refined nod to Parton’s persona, featuring bespoke murals crafted from a British fan’s lifetime concert ticket collection and vinyl record players, all paired with modern comforts.

Parton’s influence extends beyond the cityscape. Earlier in 2023, she inaugurated the Cornersville service station, a themed travel stop offering Southern fare and live country music, embodying her lifelong journey on the road since 1967. Additionally, sites like the Grand Ole Opry and the Appalachian home region near Locust Ridge continue to draw visitors tracing her roots and early performances.

Her philanthropic endeavors also resonate locally, with the ongoing success of Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country theme parks supporting East Tennessee’s economy and employment. The parks blend thrilling attractions with cultural preservation, showcasing Appalachian heritage through craft demonstrations, traditional food, and family-friendly entertainment.

Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel and accompanying museum stand as a comprehensive and heartfelt monument to her multifaceted legacy. Combining cutting-edge technology, rich historical narrative, and authentic regional culture, the complex invites fans to celebrate the enduring impact of a country music legend whose life and work continue to inspire generations.