Tennessee Homesick Blues

Dolly Parton's mission statement for Dollywood
Photo from: http://reneeashleybaker.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/dolly-parton.jpg

New York City ain't no kind of place

For a country girl with a friendly face
If you smile people look at you funny
They take it wrong
The greenest state in the land of the free
And the home of the Grand Ole Opry
Is calling me back to my Smoky Mountain home
- “Tennessee Homesick Blues,” Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s roots cling strongly to the soil of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Growing up in “dirt poor” conditions, Parton gained an appreciation for rustic living and country music. These early lessons contributed to making her the most successful female country artist in the history of the genre. And, being the philanthropist that she is, Dolly Parton made sure to give back to the community that raised her.

Dolly Parton has invested much of her earnings into business endeavors located in Pigeon Forge, in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Notably, in 1986, Dolly Parton became co-owner of the amusement park that she would later rename “Dollywood.” Dollywood, like any amusement park, features rides, but what makes this park different from others are the attractions. Dollywood pays tribute to country life, in the form of traditional crafts and music from the Smoky Mountains.

When we visited Dollywood, it was not for the roller coasters or water rides, it was predominantly for the shows and live performances. What makes this park really distinctive is the emphasis it places on music. Each year, Dollywood hosts musical performances from local artists, international famed musicians, and even Dolly Parton herself. While at the park, I was not lucky enough to see the place’s namesake herself, but I did see a performance by her family. I think it is wonderful that Dollywood, in a sense, remains a family business, yet appeals to a larger audience as well.

And music is not the only item of interest at Dollywood, there are also artesian demonstrations and a memorandum museum. Every day at the park, there are displays put on by glass blowers, wagon makers, candle crafters, woodcarvers, etc. These presentations appealed to me because they are seemingly outdated crafts, yet, one will soon realize, they require an exceptional level of dexterity and talent. It is impressive. Also on the premises is “Rags to Riches: The Dolly Parton Story.” This museum features articles, photographs, awards, and keepsakes from Dolly Parton’s life and career. Walking through the showroom, I was flabbergasting by the transformation this small-town southern girl had gone through in order to arrive at the level of stardom that she currently assumes. It is a true under-dog story.

My visit to Dollywood provided me with a greater appreciation for life in the Smoky Mountains. Dolly Parton’s amusement park helps me understand the sentiment behind her singing, “Good Lord have mercy on a country girl, tryin' to make a living in a rhinestone world. It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world, with Tennessee homesick blues runnin' through my head.”