Dolly Parton Statue

Sevierville, Tennessee

Dollywood, the theme park, is just up the road in Pigeon Forge, but we prefer this little celebrity landmark on the lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse. The statue is a life-size bronze, part of a 28-stop downtown walking tour of Dolly's hometown. Nearly everyone claims to know her personally.

Under a shady tree, the figure by artist Jim Gray depicts the young, starry-eyed Dolly, barefoot, sitting on a rock with her guitar. Her left breast, while not matching her later proportions, is grope-able, but the right is covered. We had to bide our time while dressed-up couples straight from church paid their respects and cleared out.

The plaque on the boulder reads: Dolly - Jim Gray, Sculptor. This statue of Dolly Parton was erected through the generosity of the people of Sevier County. Dedicated May 3, 1987" along with names of the steering committee.

With no other fans in sight, elder Jack Kirby made his move, for the sake of our photography demands. Can't recall if we actually explained the whole good luck burnishing thing to him....