Back to Calendar

Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker

Available Until

September 2026

Wednesday

All Day

Get Museum Tickets

Museum Admission Required

Free for Members

Become a Member

On This Page

Even among living legends, Dolly Parton’s star shines with unusual brilliance. Her fame casts a wider, brighter light today than at any time in her career of sixty-plus years. The Country Music Hall of Fame member has enjoyed seemingly effortless success as a singer, songwriter, movie and television actor, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist ever since she first hit the record charts in 1967. In truth, however, her achievements required determination to get past those who tried to limit the scale of her dreams.

This exhibition focuses on turning points in Parton’s life and career through the decades, where she overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become one of the most beloved and widely recognized celebrities across the world.

Access to the Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker exhibit is included with Museum admission. Advance reservations are encouraged.

Photo © Jim Herrington

GET MUSEUM TICKETS

Family Program–Songteller: Songwriting 101

Saturday, June 28 | 1:00 –2:00 PM | Taylor Swift Education Center

Dolly Parton is a prolific singer-songwriter. Her hit song “I Will Always Love You” is an iconic declaration of wishing someone the best. If you could write an inspirational song to uplift others, what would you say? Join singer-songwriter and music educator Kayley Nell Walker—who has performed original music on NBC’s Today, at the Bluebird Café, and at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge’s annual Birthday Bash—in this introductory workshop inspired by Parton’s career. Participants will learn the fundamentals of songwriting—including form, theme, and rhyme scheme—then share ideas and write an original song as a group.

LEARN MORE

Panel Discussion–Star of the Show: My Life on Stage

Sunday, December 7 | 3:00 – 4:30 PM | Ford Theater

In celebration of the November release of Dolly Parton’s book Star of the Show: My Life on Stage, the Museum will host a panel discussion focused on Parton’s touring success. Panelists will include author and historian Robert K. Oermann and Tom Roland, a journalist and the editor of Star of the Show. Offered in support of the exhibition Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker. Program tickets will be available to reserve on October 23 at 10 a.m. central.

Panel Discussion–Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones

Saturday, January 17 | 3:00 – 4:30 PM | Ford Theater

In celebration of Dolly Parton’s eightieth birthday (January 19), the Museum will present a panel discussion highlighting her book Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones. Panelists will include Holly George-Warren, a fashion writer and one of Parton’s Behind the Seams co-authors; Rebecca Seaver, director of museum and archive services for Dolly Parton Productions and another Behind the Seams co-author; and Steve Summers, longtime costumer and creative director for Dolly Parton Enterprises. Program tickets will be available to reserve on October 23 at 10 a.m. central.