Dolly Parton invited guests to her Life of Many Colors Museum in a video recorded before her death, shared on Instagram on the morning of the grand opening, Tuesday, September 29. Parton died peacefully in Nashville on August 25 at age 80.
In the clip, Parton told fans she was "so proud to invite you" to the museum at her SongTeller Hotel. (Click video here)
The 20,000-square-foot museum occupies the third floor of the hotel in downtown Nashville. The tour runs in order, starting on January 19, 1946, the night Parton was born during a winter storm, with a re-creation of her Tennessee mountain home. On display are her "He's Alive" dress, costumes from 9 to 5 and Rhinestone, all 52 of her studio albums, handwritten lyrics and a dulcimer she toured with. The tour ends with a filmed concert of "I Will Always Love You.
Parton's niece and museum curator, Rebecca Seaver, opened the doors. Parton had been expected to cut the ribbon herself. "It's hard. She's not here to open it," Seaver said.
The SongTeller Hotel has 245 rooms and suites, plus two live venues, Jolene's and Parton's Live. Jolene's, on the top floor, features nightly performances by Nashville singers and songwriters, while Parton's Live hosts writers' rounds and showcases for emerging artists. The museum is at 126 3rd Avenue North, with a separate entrance, and is open daily 9 to 5. Admission starts at $32.
For a singer whose music was rooted in faith and gospel, the museum gives fans one place to walk through the story she told in her songs.
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