Dolly Parton Is Taking Her Brand to the Road With a Nationwide Chain of Travel Centers — and Yes, This Is Real. ML
Your road trips through Tennessee are about to get a lot more sparkly thanks to Dolly Parton! The country music icon and Dollywood Dreamer-in-Chief has announced her own travel center.
Parton has partnered with Tennessean Travel Stop to rebrand as Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops in 2026, starting with its flagship location in Cornersville, Tennessee, along Interstate 65. The partnership was announced Nov. 17.
“I have spent the bulk of my life on the road, and more specifically on a bus. All the years spent visiting greasy spoon cafes, truck stops and roadside pit stops have given me an understanding of what travelers desire on the road,” Parton said in a news release.
“Whether you are driving a truck, a bus or a car, you want a place that feels like home and recharges you for the rest of your journey. I believe we will fill a void out there on the highways, all while bringing the heart and soul of Tennessee,” she added.
What is Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop?
Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is a roadside pitstop experience that will be reimagined with Parton’s signature flair and Southern charm. The collaboration brings together a history of quality service and Parton’s cultural reach.USA TODAY Shopping: Shop sales in tech, home, fashion, beauty & more curated by our editors.
Design details are being kept under wraps for now. But the renovated travel stops will include modern amenities, curated dining and regional retail options.
“The Tennessean has long been a ‘home away from home’ for truck drivers, travelers and locals alike,” said Tennessean Travel Stop CEO Gregory H. Sachs. “Together with Dolly and her team, we’re reimagining what a travel stop can be – transforming it into a warm, inviting destination where everyone feels welcome to slow down, kick up their feet, and stay awhile.”
When will Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop open?
The flagship location in Cornersville will remain open while it is renovated into the new Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop. The unveiling is scheduled for early summer 2026. The Middle Tennessee town is about 61 miles south of Nashville.
The Cornersville site will serve as proof of concept for future Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops planned across the Southeast and beyond, according to the news release. Permitting and partnership phases for expansion are in progress.
Additional locations are expected to be announced after the debut of the flagship rebrand.
Why Dolly Parton and Tennessean Travel Stop are a perfect match
The partnership between Parton and Tennessean Travel Stop combines hospitality, retail and entertainment elements. The logo uses Dolly’s silhouette with a nod to traditional truck mud flap designs.
“This project reflects Dolly’s love for her home state and her commitment to supporting local business, community, and the travelers who keep America moving,” explained Danny Nozell, CEO of CTK Enterprises and Parton’s long-time manager.
