A remarkable turn of events led two Irish cousins to an unforgettable stay in Dolly Parton's very own penthouse suite at Dollywood. What began as a travel writing assignment covering Tennessee's attractions, including the famed Dollywood theme park, became a deeply personal journey into the essence of the country music icon's world. This unexpected lodging experience, driven by a booking mishap, transformed their casual appreciation for Parton into profound admiration, as they witnessed firsthand her indelible contributions to the Appalachian community and immersed themselves in her distinctive, vibrant aesthetic.
The adventure commenced approximately eleven years prior when the author and her cousin, Sheila, embarked on a road trip through Tennessee's Smoky Mountains. Sheila, a travel writer for the Irish Mail on Sunday, was crafting a feature on the state. Following a lively visit to Nashville, their next destination was Dollywood, the renowned theme park that Dolly Parton had cultivated into a major American attraction. They had secured a reservation at Dollywood's newly opened luxury hotel, DreamMore. However, an unforeseen delay due to a procession of vintage cars and an evening reservation at a tourist show called the Dixie Stampede meant they would be checking in late. A call to the hotel revealed a reservation mix-up, leaving them without rooms in a fully booked establishment.
Amidst their concern, a swift resolution emerged: the hotel offered them the Dolly Parton Suite, the exclusive penthouse where the legendary singer herself resided during her visits. Upon entering, the suite's decor unequivocally reflected Parton's flamboyant style. The space was adorned in vivid pink and purple hues, featuring rhinestone wallpaper, plush shag carpets, and even a life-sized portrait of Dolly, positioned perfectly to create the illusion of her presence. The suite boasted a well-equipped kitchenette, a dining area, a spacious living room, and one and a half bathrooms. The main bathroom was a dazzling display of glittering mirrors, a bathtub, a shower, and a vanity reminiscent of a performer's dressing room. The bedroom echoed this 'camp Dolly' aesthetic, with a strikingly tall bed that humorously required a running leap to access.
Beyond the opulent suite, the entire Dollywood resort and its surroundings exuded Parton's unique charm and generosity. While already fans of her music, their understanding of Dolly Parton deepened significantly during this trip. Witnessing her extensive philanthropic efforts within the Appalachian region, and hearing the reverent tones in which locals spoke of her, solidified their appreciation. The theme park itself featured a meticulously crafted replica of the humble two-room cabin where Dolly and her eleven siblings grew up, built by her brother Bobby and decorated by her mother Avie. This stark depiction, complete with walls lined with newspaper for insulation against the harsh Appalachian winters and plaques detailing family stories, offered a poignant insight into the family's struggles in the 1940s. This experience underscored the remarkable journey of a superstar who built a vast music and business empire from such modest beginnings.
Furthermore, Dolly Parton's commitment extended beyond her local community to national conservation efforts. Dollywood forged a partnership with the American Eagle Sanctuary 35 years ago, establishing the largest display of bald eagles in North America. At that time, the species was still endangered, and the sanctuary played a crucial role in public education, ultimately contributing to the bald eagle's removal from the endangered list. Visitors, including the cousins, were awestruck by the sheer size and regal presence of these majestic birds viewed through glass enclosures. The region around Pigeon Forge, where Dollywood is located, has flourished due to Dolly's influence, now teeming with attractions like go-karts, novelty museums, diverse restaurants, and souvenir shops, all contributing to local employment and economic growth. This includes the Dixie Stampede, a lively Appalachian-themed dinner show, which, despite its lighthearted take on historical events, provides numerous jobs. It is no wonder that locals affectionately refer to her as 'Saint Dolly' or the 'patron saint of Tennessee,' acknowledging her deep love for the mountains and its people, a sentiment reciprocated wholeheartedly. The memory of this journey, especially the stay in the iconic suite, instilled a lasting reverence for Dolly Parton and her enduring legacy of kindness and community support.
