Cornersville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Country music icon Dolly Parton is adding another venture to her already expansive legacy — this time along the highway.
Parton officially opened her new “Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop” in Cornersville, Tennessee on Wednesday, cutting the ribbon and welcoming travelers to a destination she says is designed to be much more than a typical gas station.
Located off Interstate 65 about an hour south of Nashville, the travel stop is open 24 hours a day and offers a wide range of amenities aimed at road-trippers, truck drivers, and families alike.
While it includes traditional features like fuel and convenience items, the property goes beyond a standard stop. Visitors will find a full-service Southern-style restaurant, coffee shop, general store, and even a live music stage where performances are planned regularly.
The destination also showcases Dolly-themed attractions, including a tour bus experience inspired by Parton’s decades on the road and photo opportunities celebrating her life and career
Speaking at the opening, Parton joked about her decision to enter the travel stop business, drawing laughs from the crowd with a comment widely seen as a playful nod to competitor Buc-ee’s.
“I’m sure some of you are wondering why I wanted a truck stop,” she said. “Well, I couldn’t leave it to beavers. I had to throw myself in there.”
The comment references Buc-ee’s, the popular Texas-based travel center chain that has expanded into Tennessee in recent years and set a high bar for large-scale roadside destinations.
Parton emphasized that her goal isn’t to compete directly, but to create a welcoming, uniquely Tennessee experience for travelers.
The new travel stop reflects her long history on the road as a touring artist. She has said those experiences helped her understand what people really need when traveling — a place to refuel, rest, and feel at home.
In addition to food and entertainment, the property includes features such as a dog park, lounge areas, and event space, turning the stop into a destination rather than just a quick pit stop.
Local leaders say the project is also expected to boost tourism and economic development in the Cornersville area, bringing new jobs and drawing visitors off the interstate into the community.
The opening marks the first flagship location under the Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop brand, with additional expansion plans expected across Tennessee in the future.
For now, drivers passing through southern Middle Tennessee will find a new kind of roadside stop — one that blends music, hospitality, and a signature touch from one of the state’s most beloved figures.
Dolly’s Travel Stop / Cup of Ambition (website)
