Iconic Figures: Discover the People Who Helped Shape Tennessee

Sevierville, Tennessee, is where internationally acclaimed Dolly Parton grew up, surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. From performing as a child at local venues that still stand today, to writing more than 3,000 songs, countless awards and over 100 million records sold, Dolly has become one of the world’s most celebrated artists. Her legacy can be experienced in its full glory at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, the family theme park which opened in 1986. Dollywood continues to grow in popularity and with new rides, shows and attractions being developed constantly. 

In Memphis, Tennessee, the Lorraine Motel, where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 has become a powerful historic landmark that visitors can visit today. Luther King was known for his work during the Civil Rights movement and his speeches which pointed out inequality during segregation. Now home to the National Civil Rights Museum, the site explores King’s life and legacy, alongside the stories of many courageous activists who fought for equality during a segregated South. This year, the museum celebrates its 35th anniversary with immersive exhibits and experiences in its newly opened Legacy building. And for those on the road, the Civil Rights Trail spreads across Tennessee with stops that tell a wider story about the struggle and accomplishments of those who fought for civil rights.