1997 Cadillac DeVille d’Elegance: Why Dolly Parton Donated Her Favorite Car After 10 Years

Cadillac Eldorado

The world is mourning the passing of country music legend Dolly Parton, who died at the age of 80. Following the announcement of her passing on August 25, 2026, President Donald Trump praised her as “one of the greatest Country singers,” before ordering all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff for one week.

While celebrated for her timeless contributions to country and pop music, masterful songwriting, and a glittering legacy spanning more than six decades, Dolly maintained a deeply grounded appreciation for classic American luxury in her personal garage.

Parton famously believed that “you can’t be country if you don’t have a Cadillac.” While she got a custom Cadillac Eldorado from fellow country star Porter Wagoner in 1972, her favorite vehicle was a 1997 Cadillac DeVille d’Elegance, a car that perfectly balanced her star status with her down-to-earth roots.

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Modified 1969 or 1970 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

Keeping the car completely stock, Dolly valued the Cadillac for its reliable comfort and smooth ride, driving it daily for over a decade to run errands, travel to recording studios, and quietly escape the intense glare of the spotlight.

In 2008, after ten years of dedicated ownership, she decided to share her beloved ride with her fans by signing the interior armrests and donating it to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

1997 Cadillac DeVille d’Elegance

1997 Cadillac DeVille d’Elegance

Upon handing over the keys of the DeVille to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg, she immediately upgraded her daily routine to a more spacious Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, which allowed her to balance luxury with eco-friendly fuel efficiency.

Today, the pristine gold sedan remains on public display near Dollywood. It stands as a timeless automotive testament to the music icon’s legendary style, regional pride, and surprisingly practical approach to everyday luxury.

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