Centennial Park Dedicates Bench In Memory Of Dolly Parton

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Photo: Courtesy of Metro Parks/Centennial Park Conservancy

A historic bench in Centennial Park has been dedicated in memory of Dolly Parton, celebrating her enduring connection to the park, her contributions to the Nashville community, and her lifelong commitment to inspiring children to read, dream and imagine.

In 1975, acclaimed photographer Raeanne Rubenstein photographed Parton in Centennial Park’s Sunken Garden, capturing about 60 images of the young singer and rising star lounging on one of Centennial Park’s historic conversation benches. A printed photograph pf Parton reclining on the bench will be placed on permanent display in the Parthenon when its “Athens of the South Exhibit” reopens.

For the past eight years, Parton’s Imagination Library has partnered with Centennial Park Conservancy’s Kidsville program to promote childhood literacy through programming at the Parthenon and Musicians Corner.

The dedication of the bench located near the Sunken Garden was celebrated Saturday (Aug. 29), as Metro Parks and Centennial Park Conservancy marked the grand opening of the revitalized north side of Centennial Park. The revitalization includes a new event pavilion for community gatherings and Croquet Cafe, the first restaurant in a Nashville park.

“Dolly has always understood the power of a story — to open a child’s mind, spark a dream and inspire them to imagine what is possible,” says Brooke Siegel-Rochelle, Senior Manager of Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee. “It is incredibly meaningful to see her honored here in Centennial Park, a place where she made memories early in her career and where, decades later, her Imagination Library continues to connect children with the joy and possibility of books. This bench is a beautiful reminder of Dolly’s legacy and the countless lives she has touched through music, storytelling and her unwavering belief in the power of imagination.”

The new plaque on the bench reads “Turn a Page Sing a Song And imagine For Dolly, We will always love you.”

Photo: Courtesy of Metro Parks/Centennial Park Conservancy

Photo: Courtesy of Metro Parks/Centennial Park Conservancy

Lorie Hollabaugh
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