Dolly Parton has opened Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop, a new truck stop in Tennessee. The opening took place Thursday, with Parton herself present to greet early visitors. The location is positioned along a busy stretch of highway, attracting truckers and summer road trippers heading south.
On Thursday morning, Parton made a playful comment referencing Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based travel center chain, during the ribbon-cutting. She joked about the size and spirit of her new stop, drawing a laugh from the crowd gathered in the parking lot. Buc-ee’s has expanded aggressively in recent years, prompting comparisons to other roadside stops across the South.
Inside Dolly's Tennessean, early customers found classic truck stop fare alongside nods to Parton's Tennessee heritage. The shop offers hot food, coffee, souvenirs, and a selection of branded merchandise. A neon sign with Parton’s likeness marks the entrance.
The truck stop’s opening comes as summer travel season reaches its peak. Drivers heading toward Nashville or Knoxville this week have already begun making detours. Parton’s local ties continue to draw attention, even among those just looking for a quick rest or a bite to eat.