Dolly Parton's New Hotel, Museum Took 'A Great Deal Of Heart To Get Every Detail Right,' Niece Says

Dolly Parton 's SongTeller Hotel and Life of Many Colors Museum opened its doors with a special ribbon-cutting celebration - complete with butterfly-shaped confetti - on Tuesday morning (October 6).

The SongTeller Hotel and Life of Many Colors Museum offer a destination "inspired by the life, career and legacy of one of the world's most beloved entertainers," according to a press release issued after the event. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured a few children who took part in Parton's beloved Imagination Library, a global program that gifts free books to children each month from birth to their fifth birthday. The program has gifted more than 343 million books since it began in 1995.

The SongTeller Hotel and Life of Many Colors Museum spotlights Imagination Library and many other moments throughout Parton's unmatched life and career. Parton "was deeply involved throughout the development of both the hotel and museum, working closely with her team and the creative partners involved in bringing the vision to life," according to the release. The SongTeller Hotel offers "a one-of-a-kind stay," and the 240-room hotel and museum provide "an opportunity to experience Dolly's story through music, memorabilia, fashion, film, television, philanthropy, family, faith and the moments that helped shape her remarkable journey." Parton shared personal stories and intimate details throughout the establishment, including in voiceovers and video messages recorded before her death.

"Today we open the doors to Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville, a day our family and our team have dreamed about for years," Rebecca Seaver, Executive Director of Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum and Parton's niece, said in a statement. "Bringing this vision to life was not easy. It took countless hours, hard decisions, loss and a great deal of heart to get every detail right. But it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and it has deepened my appreciation for the story of a little girl who went from the top of the Smokies to the top of the world. I hope everyone who visits leaves is inspired to dream, just as Dolly did. We can't wait to welcome fans from around the world to experience her life of many colors."

Parton guides museum visitors on a journey through her life story, beginning with her with on January 19, 1946. Guests will walk through a set inspired by Parton's childhood home at the beginning of the Life of Many Colors Museum. They'll go on to relive Parton's move to Nashville, her marriage to husband of nearly 60 years Carl Dean (including her wedding dress, which she believed to be lost for decades), her time on Porter Wagoner's show, her iconic film career, her Dollywood memories, her glamorous fashion, her philanthropy, her faith, her legendary duets and other moments in music, and much more.

"Dolly's greatest legacy may be the way she has made people feel - seen, welcomed, inspired and connected. That is the spirit we hope guests feel the moment they walk into SongTeller," shares Shannon Foster, General Manager of Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel. "To open these doors and share her story with guests from around the world is an incredible privilege, and we hope every guest leaves with a memory, a song or a story of their own that they carry with them long after their stay."

Parton's longtime creative director, Steve Summers, and Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder at AOA Tom Acomb spoke about the process of bringing the hotel and museum to life on a panel on Tuesday afternoon. They worked directly with Parton throughout the process, ensuring accuracy in every detail and emotion throughout her life.

"Dolly's greatest legacy may be the way she has made people feel - seen, welcomed, inspired and connected. That is the spirit we hope guests feel the moment they walk into SongTeller," said Shannon Foster, General Manager of Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel. The establishment also features the SongTeller Café, live entertainment at Parton's Live and Jolene's, and more. "To open these doors and share her story with guests from around the world is an incredible privilege, and we hope every guest leaves with a memory, a song or a story of their own that they carry with them long after their stay."

Parton "died peacefully" on August 25 in Nashville, according to an official announcement at the time. She was 80. The beloved legend's representatives said in a statement to PEOPLE, "after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones." Parton was laid to rest beside Dean, who died in March 2025. He was 82.

Scroll below to get a glimpse inside Parton's new hotel and museum in downtown Music City.