Dolly Parton’s new truck cease plans to develop into East Tennessee

Thousands of individuals braved the Buc-ee’s crowds to get Beaver nuggets and brisket when its Sevierville location opened in 2023. But simply think about the thrill if – or when – Dolly Parton’s new travel center opens a location in East Tennessee!

Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop simply opened its flagship location in Cornersville, Tennessee, which is in Middle Tennessee and practically 4 hours away from Knoxville. The reimagined journey expertise welcomse everybody from skilled truckers to households on highway journeys, all whereas embracing Parton’s Southern allure.

“Well, I couldn’t go away it to beavers. I needed to throw my little squirrely self in there,” Parton joked at the June 24 grand opening. “Anyway, we’re not trying to compete with anybody. We don’t think we’ll have to. We think we’re going to have everything that you want or need.”

So will Parton open another of her signature travel stops in the Smokies where she grew up, and to accommodate those on their way to her Dollywood attractions and resorts?

Will Dolly Parton’s Travel Stop open an East Tennessee location?

Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops are planned across the Southeast and beyond, including in East Tennessee.

“We love East Tennessee and would love to be in there,” Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop common supervisor Tara Polk instructed Knox News on June 26. “We are working through it now and we plan to expand. Stay tuned!” she added.

Polk did not specify a timeline or where in East Tennessee a travel stop might open, but Knox and Sevier counties’ proximately to the heavily trafficked interstates I-40, I-75 and I-81 is a positive factor.

“There’s a lot that goes into choosing the locations, but we are definitely prioritizing high truck and traffic areas,” Polk explained.

And a Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop would fit right in in the region that warmly embraces the legendary icon. The Cornersville travel stop is decked out in décor in Parton’s likeness and branding and features custom merch, general store, DLY BBQ, Cup of Ambition coffee, a full-service restaurant, lounging areas and performance spaces.

“Having Dolly as a partner on this venture has been an amazing dream come true,” Polk said. “To have the number one superstar in the world as our partner and working on this project has been incredible.”

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. 

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