Buc-ee’s may not be America’s favorite convenience store, but it’s No. 1 in the hearts of Texans. At least until Dolly Parton swoops in.
The “Jolene” singer plans to debut Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop in the summer of 2026 in Cornersville, Tenn. south of Nashville, and the shop promises to bring just as much — or maybe more? — kitsch than the Lone Star State’s beloved beaver.
“I have spent the bulk of my life on the road, and more specifically on a bus,” Parton said in a statement. “All the years spent visiting greasy spoon cafes, truck stops, and roadside pit stops have given me an understanding of what traveler’s desire on the road. Whether you are driving a truck, a bus, or a car, you want a place that feels like home and recharges you for the rest of your journey. I believe we will fill a void out there on the highways, all while bringing the heart and soul of Tennessee.”
The store isn’t new, just a rebrand of an existing Tennessean Travel Stop location, so what gives it its Dolly charm? “An evolved travel experience that integrates modern amenities, curated dining, and authentic regional retail with the approachable comfort travelers expect from both brands,” according to a press release.
Parton’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, said in a statement that the stores — of which more are planned — will be “more than a place to refuel — it’s about recharging the spirit.”
The brand’s logo is perfectly Dolly-esque: A silhouhette of the singer lounges across an outline of the state of Tennessee, holding a mic.
“Move over Buc-cee’s — TN has got BOO-BEES 😂 EXCITED! 😊,” one Facebook commenter wrote.
Buc-ee’s has two locations in Tennessee — one in Crossville and another in Sevierville — and another is projected to open in Murfreesboro in 2026. All are a few hours’ drive from Dolly’s travel hub, but that may not stay true for long.
According to the company’s website, it plans to expand stores “across Tennessee and beyond.”
No word yet on if that includes Texas, but if so, the beaver better watch out. Especially if I can buy Buc-ee’s-style pajama pants with Dolly’s face all over them.