If you have ever listened to Dolly Parton sing about “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” you might have wondered what her real home looks like today. Dolly Parton is not just a country music superstar—she’s an American icon whose life story inspires millions. Her homes, past and present, reflect her remarkable journey from humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to global fame.
Below, I’ll share clear answers and stories about Dolly’s current home, her childhood cabin, and even what it’s like to walk in her footsteps. I’ll also sprinkle in a few personal reflections—I’ll never forget my visit to Dollywood, where I was touched by the warmth and joy woven into every corner. So, let’s take a welcoming, easy-to-read tour.
Where is Dolly Parton’s Current Home?
Dolly Parton’s current home is in Brentwood, Tennessee, a quiet, leafy suburb about 10 miles south of downtown Nashville. The house sits on a sprawling 63-acre estate called Willow Lake Plantation, offering the privacy and freedom Dolly loves.
Her main house is 3,324 square feet—bigger than most, but cozy compared to mansions owned by other stars. The estate has many features:
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Tennis court
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Swimming pool
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Private chapel
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Multiple barns and gazebos
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Lush gardens and rolling hills
What truly makes it special is how well it fits Dolly’s style: bright, welcoming spaces and plenty of family mementos.
Despite her superstar status and wealth, Dolly bought the house in 1999 for $400,000. She could have chosen something showier, but this home is filled with memories and love from her life with her husband, Carl Dean. They lived there together for decades, finding peace far from the glitz of the spotlight.
Is Dolly Parton’s House Still There?
Yes! Dolly’s house in Brentwood is very much still there. She values her privacy, so it’s not open to public tours. Security gates and the wide lands around the home create a peaceful retreat.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse, know that Dolly keeps her address private. But you can feel her presence throughout Tennessee—in Dollywood, her music, and her legacy.
Where Did Dolly Parton Live? (A Short Journey)
Childhood in the Smoky Mountains
Dolly Parton grew up in a very different home—a tight, two-room log cabin on Locust Ridge Road, Sevierville, Tennessee, deep in the Smoky Mountains. She lived there with her parents and 11 siblings! The cabin had:
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No electricity
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No running water (“unless you were willing to run and get it,” she once joked)
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One bedroom and a kitchen area with a tiny pantry
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Beds for 12 kids, where they’d catch fireflies in jars for light at night
Despite the hardships, Dolly always said they were rich in things money couldn’t buy: love, laughter, and family. She wrote songs inspired by memories of catching fireflies, listening to crickets, and feeling at home in those hills.
From Fame to Homeownership
From that log cabin, Dolly went on to Nashville, California, and music venues worldwide. But she always treasured her Tennessee roots, which is why she settled in Brentwood later in life.
Her old childhood home is still standing on Locust Ridge. Dolly’s family sold it years ago, but she later bought the land back and restored the cabin to how it looked in the 1950s, just as she remembered it. While visitors can’t step inside (the property is fenced and private), many fans make a pilgrimage to see the spot where her story began.
For those who want a closer look, Dollywood—the theme park she founded—features a lovingly made replica of her childhood home. Her brother, Bobby, built it, and her mother decorated it to match their memories. Seeing it put a lump in my throat when I visited—standing there, you feel how far Dolly has come but also how much she cherishes her beginnings.
A Peek Inside Dolly Parton’s Brentwood Home
Let’s take a virtual walk through the Brentwood estate, Willow Lake Plantation.
Neighborhood and Grounds
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Located on Crockett Road in Brentwood, known for its rolling hills and music history.
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The home is set back from the road, hidden behind iron gates and surrounded by open land for extra privacy and peace.
House Features
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Classic American style: White exterior, big porches, multiple balconies
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Cheerful interior: Sun-yellow entryway, bright kitchen with marble countertops, and family photos everywhere
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Personal touches: Music room with Dolly’s piano, walls filled with memories
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Functional spaces: Modern appliances, cozy living room, and lots of space for quiet moments
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Special extras: Chapel, pool, tennis court, lovely gardens, and a big barn built in 2014
I once read that Dolly spends mornings tending to her flowers and evenings relaxing with a book out on the porch swing. That sounds just about perfect.
Unique Insights: What Makes Dolly’s Home Special?
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Not just for show: While many celebrities want to impress with their homes, Dolly values comfort and privacy. She chose a place to build a life, not just a place to show off.
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Reflects her roots: Even her high-end home isn’t far from the types of living she grew up with—she keeps it warm, welcoming, and a little bit country.
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Part of her story: Every room has a special meaning, filled with trophies, family keepsakes, and reminders of the path from her mountain cabin to the heights of Nashville.
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A place for peace: Dolly once said she prefers a “quiet, peaceful life at home.” This shines through in the country-inspired comforts and her focus on natural beauty around her.
Cost Comparison: Dolly’s Modest Mansion
Dolly Parton could afford a palace, but she chose a $400,000 (in 1999) home, focusing on meaning over flash. Comparable celebrity estates often cost millions per acre—Dolly’s shows her values.
| Celebrity | Location | Property Size | Cost | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolly Parton | Brentwood, TN | 63 acres, 3,324 sq ft | $400,000 (1999) | Classic, cozy country |
| Taylor Swift | Nashville, TN | 1 acre, 5,600 sq ft | $2.5 million | Grand, traditional |
| Garth Brooks | Goodlettsville, TN | 19 acres, 6,700 sq ft | $3.5 million | Modern country |
Dolly’s choice reflects her down-to-earth personality—she wanted land, privacy, and memories, not just extravagance.
Where Is Dolly Parton’s Current Home?
Today, Dolly Parton lives in Brentwood, Tennessee, a wealthy suburb just outside of Nashville. She and her husband, Carl Dean, have lived in the same home since the late 1990s.
Unlike many celebrities, Dolly has kept her house surprisingly modest compared to her fame and fortune. The home is valued at a few million dollars, which is high for most of us, but small compared to mega-mansions owned by other stars.
Her house is a farmhouse-style property with lots of green space, trees, and privacy. Fans often imagine she might live in a golden palace, but Dolly has always said she doesn’t need fancy things to be happy. She prefers comfort and coziness over luxury.
Is Dolly Parton’s House Still There?
Yes, Dolly’s current house in Brentwood is still very much there. She’s been loyal to it for decades. While other celebrities often move from mansion to mansion, Dolly values stability.
Her decision to stay in one home for so long shows her down-to-earth personality. She might perform in front of thousands of fans, but at the end of the day, she loves having a quiet retreat.
I find this inspiring because it shows that success doesn’t have to change who you are. Dolly could have built a castle if she wanted, but instead, she chose a home that feels real and warm.
Where Did Dolly Parton Live Before?
Over the years, Dolly has lived in a few different places, but she has always kept her roots in Tennessee.
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Childhood Cabin: A tiny one-room cabin in Sevierville.
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Nashville Apartments: When she first started her career, she lived in small apartments while chasing her dream.
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Brentwood Farmhouse: Her long-term home since the late 1990s.
Unlike some celebrities who live in Los Angeles or New York, Dolly has always chosen Tennessee. She once said, “Nashville is my home. My heart is in the Smoky Mountains, and I’ll never leave.”
Dolly Parton’s Childhood Home: Can You Visit?
The original log cabin is still at Locust Ridge, but it’s private. You can cruise by from the road and feel the scenic magic of those ancient hills, but the home itself is not open to visitors. However, the replica at Dollywood is! It’s a must-see for fans, filled with authentic details crafted by her own family.
Photos of the log cabin and Dollywood replica are common online, showing the two-room home that started it all. Walking through the Dollywood cabin replica, I could almost hear kids’ laughter and feel the smoky mountain breeze. That’s the spirit that shapes all of Dolly’s homes.
How Many Hours a Night Does Dolly Parton Sleep?
One of the most surprising things about Dolly is her sleep schedule. She often says she only sleeps 3 to 5 hours a night.
She usually wakes up around 3 a.m. and starts writing, reading, or cooking. Dolly has said that the early hours of the morning are when she feels closest to God and most creative.
I remember trying to wake up at 4 a.m. for a week after hearing about her routine. I thought maybe it would make me more productive. Honestly? By day three, I was exhausted. But it gave me a new respect for Dolly’s energy and discipline.
Dolly Parton’s Connection to Dollywood
Dolly also owns property related to Dollywood, her famous theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. While she doesn’t live there, the park features a replica of her childhood home, giving visitors a glimpse into her past.
Walking through Dollywood feels like stepping inside Dolly’s world. It’s part theme park, part museum of her life. Families ride roller coasters, but they also stop to admire Dolly’s dresses, awards, and, of course, her cabin replica.
Why Dolly’s House Matters
Some might wonder why people care so much about celebrity homes. But in Dolly’s case, her house represents more than walls and a roof. It represents her values.
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She stayed in Tennessee instead of chasing luxury elsewhere.
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She chose a cozy farmhouse over a massive estate.
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She stayed married to Carl Dean for nearly 60 years and kept their life private.
Her home reflects her loyalty, humility, and love for simplicity.
FAQ Section
Where is Dolly Parton’s current home?
She lives in Brentwood, Tennessee, just outside Nashville.
Is Dolly Parton’s house still there?
Yes, she still lives in the same farmhouse-style home she bought in the 1990s.
Where did Dolly Parton live?
She grew up in a one-room cabin in Sevierville, Tennessee, and later lived in small Nashville apartments before moving to Brentwood.
How many hours a night does Dolly Parton sleep?
Dolly usually sleeps only 3 to 5 hours a night, often waking up before dawn to write and pray.
Final Thoughts
Dolly Parton’s houses show us that home isn’t about wealth or size, but about love, roots, and memories. From the Rockies to Brentwood, each house is filled with her spirit. Her story proves: with heart and hope, anyone can build their own dream home—no matter where you start.
If you ever get the chance to visit Dollywood or cruise through the Smokies, look for the places Dolly loved. And if you’re lucky enough, sit out on your porch at dusk, catch a firefly or two, and imagine the simple joys that made Dolly Parton who she is today.
