Dolly Parton Welcomes Families ‘Home’ to Tennessee — Exclusive Video
In 1973, Dolly Parton wrote and first recorded “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” painting an indelible picture of her rural birthplace. Since that time, the song has become not only a signature tune for the singer-songwriter but also the perfect musical accompaniment to the scenic natural wonder that is the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
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“When I think of ‘Made in Tennessee,’ I think of myself because I’m definitely made in Tennessee,” Parton tells Rolling Stone Country. “But I think of the music made in Tennessee, the memories made in Tennessee. I just think it’s a wonderful place to be from.”
In this new video (above), created by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development for its “Made in Tennessee” campaign, Parton performs a sweet and simple version of “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” accompanying herself on guitar. Along with the icon’s acoustic performance in a studio setting, the clip spotlights writer/photographer James Kicinski McCoy and her family, making their way from their home in Nashville to spend four days vacationing in East Tennessee. The family visits such iconic sites as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg, and of course, Dollywood, the massive theme park opened by Parton in 1986.
The video was created to promote the state’s authentic music, scenic beauty and family attractions.