Dolly Parton never forgot about the childhood home she grew up in and shared with her 11 siblings. It was in the East Tennessee's Smoky Mountains11:18, 28 Aug 2026Updated 11:36, 28 Aug 2026Dolly Parton never forgot about the ramshackle childhood home she shared with her 11 siblings.‌The country singer died earlier this week at the age of 80 following a private battle with cancer. There has been an outpouring of love following her death and many have remembered her fond memories of her childhood home.‌Dolly grew up alongside her six brothers and five sisters in the East Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, where they all lived in the one bedroom cabin. The shack had no electricity or running water and everything they owned was made by hand.‌She had recalled how they all chipped in to make beddings, curtains and clothes and that as the daughter of a field labourer and a homemaker, this was the life she was handed.Dolly was worth millions when she died but she never forgot her childhood home, building a replica of it at her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood. It includes a woodburning stove, kitchen table and basic cooking accessories.‌Newsprint and floral papered walls kept the cool air out and the hot air in and the replica furnishings come from Dolly's home in Sevier County. She purchased that house in the 1980s and then renovated it.Dolly recalls her childhood in the track Coat of Many Colours. She explained how she went to school in an outfit her mother had stitched from quilts and curtains and was laughed at by her classmates.She told Rolling Stone: "We didn’t have anything. mama used to sew all of our quilts and curtains for the windows, remake our clothes, and make clothes out of feed sacks or scraps.‌"I went to school thinking I looked like Joseph. I was upset with my mom, and I was crying because I felt she had told me a fib. Mama said, ‘I don’t want to ever hear you say that we’re poor. We are rich in kindness and love and understanding.'"At the replica in Dollywood, a sign outside the cabin reads: "These mountains and my childhood home have a special place in my heart. They inspire my music and my life. I hope being here does the same for you! Dolly."‌The exact replica has had the stamp of approval from her mother and was actually built by Dolly's brother Bobby. The home boasts “original treasures” from the Parton family.Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President, said: "The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood."Dolly's heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honoured and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates."‌The mayor of Dolly's hometown, Larry Waters, who knew the singer his whole life, told the New York's Post's Page Six: “Her family didn’t have a lot, but they had the things that mattered.She’s shown that over the years. She was such a treasure to us with her talent and generosity.”Larry, 72, said Dolly would take a bus to see her aunt and uncle who lived below him. He said: “My grandfather would have her sing gospel songs on the bus. After most everyone would get off, he’d go, ‘Dolly, sing us a gospel song.’ And she’d do that. She always had that talent. And always had that vivacious personality, that smile, that love for people.Article continues below“She didn’t change over the years. And boy, do I appreciate that. So many people who have achieved that level of fame - they change and forget where they come from. Dolly never did.“She was so proud of this area and we were so proud of her and continue to be proud of her - proud of what a girl from the mountains of Sevier County made of herself. She did that herself. She is not only a great talent and generous, she’s a smart businessperson who understood what it took to be successful.”Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.