Dolly Parton Disapproved The Idea Of Erecting Her Statue In Tennessee

Dolly Parton told Tennessee law lawyers that she actually did not want her statue erected in the Tennessee Capitol.

Earlier this year, a Tennessee representative raised the statue idea to honor Parton for her contributions to the state.

Dolly Rejected The Statue Idea

Fittingly, the statue would have faced Ryman Auditorium, a venue which, throughout her career, has become “something of a second home” for Parton.

But Dolly said no.

“I am honored and humbled by their intention but I have asked the leaders of the state legislature to remove the bill from any and all consideration,” she tweeted.

“Given all that’s going on in the world, I don’t think putting me on a pedestal is appropriate at this time.”

Tennessee Roots

Parton’s roots in Tennessee are very deep.

She was born there in 1946 and grew up on the Great Smoky Mountains — later, she’d even have her own Tennessee theme park, though she won’t ride the rides.

Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actress, author, businesswoman, and humanitarian, known primarily for her work in country music. 

Parton has been a beacon of hope for many, especially in the year 2020. In April last year, she donated $ 1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which helped develop a coronavirus vaccine she didn’t get — even though she’s eligible at 75 years old.

Dolly’s Statue

This statue would stand where Confederate monuments were

According to the bill, the statue’s design would’ve been informed by the public’s opinion, and funded by the “Dolly Parton fund,” which includes grants and donations.

It would have also stood where Confederate monuments have.

In June 2020, Tennessee historians moved to remove a bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest — a Confederate general and Ku Klux Klan member — from Capitol grounds. But state lawmakers opposed the move, the Tennessean reported.

“I hope, though, that somewhere down the road several years from now or perhaps after I’m gone if you still feel I deserve it, then I’m certain I will stand proud in our great State Capitol as a grateful Tennessean,” Parton wrote.

But for now, she said, she still has work to do.