Jad and Shima delve into the Dollyverse dimension, exploring questions about country music, authenticity, nostalgia, and belonging. They visit Dollywood and meet Wandee Pryor, a girl who lived in a Dolly dreamworld. They also learn about Esther Konkara, the 'Kenyan Dolly Parton,' who sings 'Tennessee Mountain Home' as an ode to the hills of Nairobi. With an irresistible offer from Dolly's nephew, they embark on a journey to Dolly's real home. Along the way, they encounter the 'chakana hay' phenomenon and have a significant moment at a gate, deepening their understanding of the 'Dolly verse'.
Dolly Parton's music has attracted a younger fan base through her involvement in shows like Hannah Montana, allowing her to connect with a new generation of supporters.
Dollywood, the theme park dedicated to Dolly Parton, holds a quasi-religious quality for fans, who seek to commune with her spirit and the memories of her childhood.
Deep dives
Exploring Dolly Parton's Appeal to Younger Fans
Dolly Parton discusses the shift in her fan base, which has seen a transition from older fans to a younger demographic. Through her involvement in shows like Hannah Montana, Dolly was able to connect with a whole new generation of fans who have grown up and now support her music.
The Nostalgia of Dolly's Tennessee Mountain Home
Dolly Parton's Tennessee Mountain Home, as depicted in her song, holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. The imagery and vivid descriptions in the song evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for a lost home. The replica of her childhood cabin at Dollywood serves as a tangible symbol of this connection to her roots.
The Quasi-Religious Quality of Dollywood
Dollywood, the theme park dedicated to Dolly Parton, holds a unique place in the hearts of fans. It goes beyond being just a theme park and carries a quasi-religious quality. Visitors feel a deep sense of connection to Dolly and the place that shaped her, seeking to commune with her spirit and the memories of her childhood.
The Real Tennessee Mountain Home Experience
The podcast episode takes a detour to visit the actual Tennessee Mountain Home where Dolly Parton grew up. The journey up the mountain through Locust Ridge immerses listeners in the natural beauty and remote atmosphere of the Smoky Mountains. While they were not able to enter the home itself, the experience of being in the surrounding environment evokes a powerful sense of place and history.
We journey into the Dollyverse dimension: "Tennessee Mountain Home."Like all law abiding Tennesseans, Jad grew up with the song on a loop. He hadn’t planned to talk with Dolly about it, but much to his surprise, he is drawn into a Tennessee Mountain Trance. The trance opens a portal to many questions about country music, authenticity, nostalgia and belonging. And to a place called Dollywood. We visit the replica of Dolly’s childhood cabin and find thousands of other pilgrims similarly entranced. Along the way, we meet Wandee Pryor, who lived in a Dolly dreamworld as a girl. And also, halfway around the world, Esther Konkara, the self-proclaimed “Kenyan Dolly Parton,” who sings "Tennessee Mountain Home" as an ode to the hills of Nairobi - hills she has not yet left. The Tennessee Mountain home begins to seem like part of a Disney fairytale.But then, Jad and Shima get a call from Dolly’s nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver, who makes an irresistible offer.
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