DUST off those cowboy boots and grab your glitter as fans across the globe wave goodbye to country music sensation Dolly Parton.
The star passed away last week, aged 80, but her legend lives on in the US.
Dust off those cowboy boots and grab your glitter as fans across the globe wave goodbye to country music sensation Dolly Parton Credit: PA:Press Association
Dolly passed away last week but her legend lives on in the US Credit: Getty
Sophie Swietochowski shares her top Dolly holidays in Nashville, the Great Smoky Mountains and beyond.
SEE WHAT’S NEW IN NASHVILLE
DOLLY got busy in her 80th year and Nashville was her focus, with the star launching a host of new attractions.
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The 245-room SongTeller Hotel opens a week on|Monday.
Fans can raise a glass to the country hero in one of two live music venues, Parton’s Live and Jolene’s – try a Dirt Road Martini – Dolly’s favourite.
WAIL OF A TIME
I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands
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Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights
On the third floor of the hotel, Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors Museum opens on September 29, with exhibits that explore her writing career and bold fashion choices.
Swing by Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, south of Nashville.
The roadside venue has classic Tennessee barbecue, trucker facilities and a live music venue.
GO: Bon Voyage has a five-night stay at SongTeller Hotel from £1,995pp with flights on September 14. See bon-voyage.co.uk or call 0800 316 0194.
TENNESSEE CHILDHOOD
A must is her theme park Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, which has a replica of her childhood home Credit: Alamy
THIS ticks off two of Dolly’s biggest loves – the great open road and Tennessee.
Start in Nashville, where she made a name for herself as a high school grad, before heading to Jackson and Memphis.
After a stop in Chattanooga, there’s the Great Smoky Mountains and Dolly’s hometown of Sevierville, which has the Pines Theatre where she performed aged ten.
A must is her theme park Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, which has a replica of her childhood home.
GO: A 14-night Tennessee Music Pathway trip costs from £1,995pp including flights and car hire. See americaasyoulikeit.com.
TEXAS MOVIE AND RODEO TRAIL
Dolly was nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Globes for her performance as Mona Stangley in The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas Credit: Cover Images
TENNESSEE may be the legend’s home state, but Texas is where Parton made her big early film hit.
Dolly was nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Globes for her performance as Mona Stangley in The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, above – shot in various locations throughout the Lone Star state.
Start in Austin, where the film premiered, then head to Hallettsville, a quaint Texan town that was used as a backdrop, and end in La Grange, which inspired the movie’s story.
She also performed some of her biggest gigs here, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – a must-visit while you’re in town.
GO: A five-night holiday with BA flights to Austin, returning from Dallas plus car hire; three nights at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin and two nights at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas is from £1,875pp. See americaasyoulikeit.com.
COUNTRY MUSIC AND MEMPHIS
Stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa, a proper country-themed hotel
THOSE keen to delve into the full musical story of America’s South should set their sights on this bucket-list Tennessee tour.
Alongside the must-visit Dolly destinations of Nashville and Pigeon Forge, you will explore Memphis, home to Elvis’s Graceland and Jattvibe Studio, which has welcomed some of the most famous faces in American musical history.
Chattanooga and the equally legendary recording studio, Muscle Shoals, is also on the list, as is a stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa, a proper country-themed hotel with roaring fireplaces and guitars hanging from the wall.
GO: The 14-night trip costs from £3,409pp including flights in November, accommodation and intermediate car hire with insurance.
Free airport lounge pass also included. See northamericatravelservice.com or call 0333 323 9033.
WHERE SINGER USED TO HOLIDAY
Head to Panama City Beach in Florida, a place Dolly said she ‘always loved’ for its white sand and emerald water Credit: Getty
WANT to add some sunshine and guaranteed R&R to your break?
Head to Panama City Beach in Florida, a place Dolly said she “always loved” for its white sand and emerald water.
When you’re not kicking back on a sun lounger, try the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show – founded by Parton herself.
There are sister sites in Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach.
The show was co-written by Dolly, too, and it’s a laugh.
The arena has a lagoon and two pirate ships, as well as acrobats performing aerial stunts.
During the show, you gorge on four courses of classic Southern grub.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach is from £1,089pp, based on four sharing.
Price includes Heathrow return flights, car hire and tickets for Pirates Voyage dinner show. See purelytravel.co.uk or call 0844 80 444 80.
