The recent wildfires took place near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.
Dolly Parton’s former mountain home in Tennessee is now being used as a wedding venue for couples affected by the recent wildfires near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
According to FOX 5, the country legend's parents Lee and Avie Lee bought the property in 1984. After their death, Parton had full ownership of the property in 2003 after which she sold it to a family friend.
I know there are some folks who have been affected, and I hope that you will join me in saying a prayer for them. During this time, I’ve also remained in touch with my people at @Dollywood who have assured me everything is okay there.
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 31, 2022
Now, the “Red Top Smoky Mountain Lodging” will be available for free for eligible couples that had their original venues, whether it be churches or businesses, impacted or destroyed by the fires near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Jeannine Emory, director of Red Top Destinations told McClatchy News, according to the Charlotte Observer. “That’s what we’re here for, we help each other out,” Emory said.
A Tennessee home once owned by country music legend Dolly Parton is now being offered as a wedding venue for engaged couples displaced by recent wildfires in the area, or whose original venues were destroyed. https://t.co/9IliNvGlNV
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) April 6, 2022
According to the property's website, "the new owners of the Parton Estate have lovingly chosen to keep the homestead name, Red Top, in tribute to the famous rooflines throughout the Estate. The Home features the Parton Family heirlooms and is the perfect Smoky Mountain Getaway." It adds that guests can "enjoy the precious memories of Avie Lee and Robert “Lee’s” most recent homeplace Red Top (purchased in 1984). This past Parton farm has a touch of God’s grace with rolling hills showcasing our beautiful Smoky Mountains. Avie Lee & Robert “Lee” Parton who spent their 1st wedding night in a Sevier County barn were wonderfully graced with 12 precious children Willadeene, David, Denver, Dolly, Bobby, Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, Floyd, Freida, and Rachel each gifted with remarkable talents from their parents. Many of those talents are showcased currently at Red Top. Red Top and its farm became a family gathering experience filled with laughter, hugs, and music for many friends, loved ones, and the Parton family."
A home owned by Dolly Parton, known by many locals in Sevier County as “Red Top,” has been transformed into a wedding venue. https://t.co/fTO3L3cQX6
— WAVE (@wave3news) April 4, 2022
Mike Whitcomb and his family are the current owners after buying the property earlier this year to serve as an event venue. "Everybody loves Dolly for a reason," Whitcomb told FOX Television Stations. "It’s not by chance. It’s not just her skills. It’s her humanity, her kindness, her beauty. I wanted to make sure, from my perspective and our family’s perspective, that we can add our voice to that," he continued. "We come together as a community," Emory told FOX Television Stations. "We help one another out and that’s what we’re doing."
The Red Top Smoky Mountain Lodging in Sevierville will be available as a free venue for eligible brides between April 1 and May 1.
References:
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article260144505.html
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Mike Coppola
