The statue was commissioned by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Parton's 20th year in the music industry.
Artist Jim Gray, a lifelong resident of the area, sculpted the likeness using clay before casting it in bronze.
The statue is positioned to face the Sevierville downtown business district.
Local lore suggests that rubbing the statue's guitar brings musical inspiration, though this is not an official historical tradition.
The courthouse lawn where the statue sits was the site of a 1987 dedication ceremony attended by Parton herself.
The bronze statue of Dolly Parton stands on the lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse in downtown Sevierville, Tennessee. Created by artist Jim Gray, the life-size sculpture was unveiled in 1987 to honor Parton's contributions to her home county. The figure depicts a young Parton seated and holding a guitar, representing her early career roots in the Smoky Mountains. It serves as a central anchor for the Sevierville historic district. The site is a key stop on the Sevierville Dolly Parton Statue Walking Tour, which highlights local historical markers. Visitors can access the statue freely as it is located in a public outdoor space.
From the sidewalk directly in front of the statue for a clear view of the courthouse background.
Combine your visit with the Sevierville Walking Tour map to see other historical markers in the immediate vicinity.
Visit during the fall months to see the courthouse lawn foliage, which provides a scenic backdrop for photography.
Park in the public lots nearby rather than attempting to park directly on Court Avenue.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the statue, as it is a protected historical monument.
