Dolly Parton's Favorite Place In The World Was A Scenic Outdoor Gem Full Of Mountains

Throughout her multi-decade long career Dolly Parton wore a lot of hats, both literally and metaphorically. Beloved by people from all over the world, she was a singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist all rolled into one. Dolly has also had a lot of different nicknames over the years. She was dubbed "The Queen of Country" in honor of her musical talent and the "Iron Butterfly" due to her keen business sense. Early on in her career, she was nicknamed the "Smoky Mountain Songbird" which may be the most fitting title of all considering the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee were her favorite place on earth.

Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the age of 80. Throughout her life, Dolly built an impressive empire, but she never lost touch with where she came from. She was born in a remote region of the Great Smoky Mountains called Locust Ridge and she spent her childhood enjoying the natural beauty of those mountains. In an interview with Thrillist she said, "[M]y favorite place in the world will always be the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. That's home, it's where my heart is and there will never be any place like it for me."

In her song "My Tennessee Mountain Home," Dolly Parton paid homage to the mountains she loved so much. She sings about the fireflies, summer afternoons, porch swings, honeysuckle vines, and songbirds. Life in those Tennessee mountains is as "peaceful as a baby's sigh," according to Dolly. If you want to experience the landscape that inspired Dolly, consider planning a trip to the scenic mountain range. Dolly left her mark on the region, so you can stay in accommodations, visit a theme park, and dine at restaurants that were created by the Queen of Country herself.

Dolly Parton was one of the most glamorous women of our time. In most photos and videos, we see her decked out in rhinestones with sky-high heels and her iconic big hair. She certainly loved the glitz and glam, but she was also a lover of nature and the outdoors.

"I just think it's one of the most beautiful places in the world," Dolly Parton said when describing the Great Smoky Mountains in a video interview with National Geographic. "We've got the most radiant flowers. We've got the biggest assortment of trees in all of North America, and that's why it's so beautiful," she added. She wasn't wrong. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 19,000 documented species of life, making it the most biodiverse park in the U.S. National Park system.

Dolly felt that it was important to treat the Great Smoky Mountains with respect and protect the scenic outdoor gem. "The Smokies just have a heart of their own, and it's just the way the water flows. The way it sounds when it flows, and the way it feels when you get in it," she told National Geographic, going on to add that she saw the region as "one of those special places that God just kind of put here for us to enjoy." 

The best way to experience the scenic beauty Dolly Parton loved is by visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Often listed among the best U.S. national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also one of the best for a road trip, and it's clear why. 60% of people in the United States can reach the park in less than a day's drive.

Dolly adored the Smokies so much that she built a hospitality enterprise nearby. Pigeon Forge, a lively mountain resort city near the entrance to the national park, is home to Dollywood, which belongs on your travel bucket list. It is often on Tripadvisor's list of the best theme parks in the United States, and was named the best park in the world by the Golden Ticket Awards in 2023. Dollywood's Splash Country is a waterpark located near the entrance to Dollywood.

If theme parks aren't your thing, Pigeon Forge is home to many more Dolly-themed attractions. Dolly Parton's Stampede is a destination where guests can enjoy dinner and a show that features horseback riding tricks, music, and a four-course meal. Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa is the perfect place to relax and unwind, while Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge and Resort is another great option.

For more to do and see, check out our list of the top 10 family-friendly activities near the Great Smoky Mountains.