Dolly Parton is giving road trippers a brand-new reason to pull over.
On June 24, the country music legend officially opened Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee, alongside business partners Danny Nozell and Gregory H. Sachs. The trio welcomed the first guests during a festive grand opening celebration filled with music, excitement, and, of course, Dolly’s signature warmth.
Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sachs explained the inspiration behind the project and why partnering with Parton was the natural choice.
“We wanted to create a place where everyone—truckers, travelers, and locals—feel welcome. They feel like this is their home. And, most importantly, they are treated with great kindness, and given incredible Southern hospitality,” Sachs said. “Who is better in the world to personify kindness and Southern hospitality than Dolly Parton? Dolly grew up in Tennessee and has spent much of her life bringing joy, kindness, and love to anyone she can touch.”
As hundreds of fans gathered under the Tennessee sun, Parton took the stage to thank everyone for coming before officially opening the travel center.
“I wanted to welcome all of you and say thank you for coming. We’re very excited about our truck stop, the Tennessean Travel Stop,” she said. “…I’ve spent my whole life on the road.”
Never one to miss an opportunity for a laugh, Dolly also joked about entering the travel stop business.
“I’m sure some of you are wondering why I wanted a truck stop. Well, I couldn’t leave it to beavers,” she quipped, seemingly referencing Buc-ee’s. “I had to throw my squirrely little self in there! We’re not trying to compete with anybody. We don’t think we’ll have to. We think we’re going to have everything that you want or need.”
Moments later, Parton cut the ceremonial ribbon as confetti cannons filled the air, officially opening the doors to the highly anticipated destination.
What You’ll Find at Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop
Located about an hour south of Nashville, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is designed to be much more than a traditional truck stop. It’s a destination where travelers, tourists, and locals can relax, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy a little Tennessee hospitality.
Guests can stop by Dolly’s Cup of Ambition coffee shop for a caffeine boost, pick up grab-and-go favorites at DLY BBQ, or sit down for a classic Southern meal at the full-service meat-and-three restaurant, featuring recipes inspired by Parton’s cookbook, Good Lookin’ Cookin’.
Entertainment is also a major part of the experience. Visitors can enjoy live performances on the main stage, while a second stage is expected to host karaoke and other interactive events in the near future.
The travel stop also offers several unique attractions, including the Doggy Parton dog park for four-legged travelers, a custom-designed mural, a replica tour bus perfect for photos, and an expansive gift shop stocked with exclusive Dolly merchandise available only at the location.
For Parton, the travel stop is about creating a welcoming place for everyone traveling America’s highways.
“Well, the doors are open and I could not be prouder. Whether you are hauling loads, hauling the family, or just passing through, we built this place for you,” Parton said in a press release. “Good food, real rest, a little music, and people who are genuinely glad you stopped in…that’s what the road has always deserved, and that is what you will find here. Welcome home.”
With Southern hospitality, great food, live entertainment, and plenty of Dolly’s unmistakable personality, Tennessean Travel Stop is poised to become one of Tennessee’s most memorable roadside destinations.