Dolly Parton's Opry History to Be Celebrated in New Exhibit

Dolly Parton's history with the Grand Ole Opry is being celebrated as the 50th anniversary of her induction into the hallowed country music institution approaches. In addition to the previously announced "Dolly Week" of festivities in October, a special exhibit, Dolly: My Opry Memories, will launch in early September.

Among the items to be featured in the Opry's Parton-focused exhibit are the dress she wore in 1969 for her Grand Ole Opry induction, the gown worn during a duet with Vince Gill on her classic hit “I Will Always Love You” in 1995 and the outfit she wore for her surprise appearance during a 40th anniversary celebration of Reba McEntire's Opry debut in 2017. Along with the fashion items, the Opry House's Studio A will host exclusive videos of Parton speaking about her memories at the Opry and rare clips from her five decades of performances.

Tickets for Dolly: My Opry Memories exhibit are a $12 add-on to any Opry backstage tour or are $17 for exhibit-only admittance. The exhibit will be up from Sept. 3 through Oct. 31, and tickets are now on sale on the Opry's website.

The Grand Ole Opry is going big for the 50th anniversary of Parton's induction. In addition to the exhibit, the Opry Nasvhille streaming channel operated by the radio station WSM 650 AM will become Dolly Radio, playing more than 3,000 songs from her catalog. Dolly Week at the Opry, meanwhile, will include four Grand Ole Opry shows, on Oct. 10-12, honoring Parton. The two Oct. 12 shows will be Parton's official 50th anniversary celebration, and will feature the country icon herself, as well as numerous other performers.

During Dolly Week, fans will be able to snag a number of exclusive merchandise, including a Dolly Parton Queen of Country 50th Anniversary graphic. The art piece was created by Opry Entertainment Product Development Manager Molly Brooks, who was inspired by a photograph of Parton taken by Opry photographer Les Leverett.

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