Have you ever heard of Pittman Center, Tennessee? The funny thing is, I have driven by it many times and didn’t even realize it. This tiny town is certainly beautiful but it is among the smallest towns in our state. This town may be very little but this is also the hometown of one of the biggest names in country music, Dolly Parton. Since Dolly has never forgotten her roots she has put this town on the map and gave rise to the popularity of the surrounding area in Seiver County.
The town of Pittman Center is only around 6 square miles and has a population of under 500 people.
This truly is a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of town and an unlikely place to find one of the biggest country music stars. Pittman Center sits within the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains making the town a beautiful place within our state. Not only can you find stunning views of the mountains but you can also find the Emert’s Cove Covered Bridge. This historic bridge is one of only a few covered bridges left in Tennessee. However, the biggest claim to fame in this town is the birthplace of Dolly Parton herself.
In 1946, on the edge of the Little Pigeon River sat a little one-room cabin owned by Dolly’s parents. She was the 4th born to a large family that grew to have 12 children.
Things looked very different back then in the mountains, most needs were met by your own hard-working hands. Some things though were best left to the experts, the man who helped deliver her was named Robert F. Thomas. This man was a traveling physician and minister who had a heart for people in the Appalachian rural community. That name might sound familiar to you if you have visited Dollywood because the chapel in the theme park is named after that very doctor who delivered Dolly in that little cabin.
Dolly certainly came from humble beginnings but before long her whole family moved to a farm where they had a slightly bigger two-room cabin.
The home didn't have running water or electricity, but they had each other and that was enough. Dolly had such fond memories of this little cabin that she made a replica of this little homestead and put it right in Dollywood. You can see the cabin there today and alot of the original items the Partons used while Dolly was growing up.
Singing for Dolly started taking shape in the little church they faithfully attended every Sunday.
Realizing she not only had a gift but a passion for music she followed her dreams which lead to a sprawling long-time career. She built a business and went from a humble cabin in the foothills of the Smokies to being one of the most successful country artists of all time.
The spotlight has been on Dolly Parton but she never forgot her formative years and the land which she called home.
Her travels have taken her all over the world and she has performed on some of the biggest stages, but it all comes back to Seiver County for this hometown girl. She has given back to the community in so many ways that people just love her for that. It is tough to go anywhere within Eastern Tennessee, and not see references to this beloved county star. People will flock to Dollywood time and time again, and for good reason, to enjoy one of America’s best theme parks.
Despite her fame, she has always remained loyal to her small town where everything started. There is even a statue in Sevierville of a young Dolly Parton holding her acoustic guitar, capturing her at a time when she started changing the world forever.
Pittman Center, Tennessee, may not be a name that you have ever heard before but I am willing to bet you have heard the name Dolly Parton before. This small town hosted one of the most famous country stars and now because of Dolly’s contribution the whole Smoky Mountain area is transformed into a powerhouse for family vacations and activities.
As beautiful as good rags-to-riches story can be, Dolly Partons theme park is often rated as one of the prettiest parks in the world and we couldn't agree more! There are several events throughout the year and we think A Smoky Mountain Christmas is a can’t-miss event.
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