Dolly Parton Left Behind a Secret Song that Fans Won’t Hear Until 2046
For decades, American singer-songwriter and actress from Tennessee, Dolly Parton, united friends, families and co-workers across nations, cultures and cities. While her film, television and musical work will live on following her passing, she still has one more surprise in store for fans.
On Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, her death brought not only grief but the end of a lasting legacy. According to WYFF, however, perhaps her heritage will live on. Dolly Parton not only has a secret song, but it’s one that won’t be released until 2046.
Before her passing, Parton released 60 albums. In her 2021 memoir, “Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics,” Parton hinted at the secret song.
According to Fox 8, the secret, yet-to-be-heard song is located at Dollywood’s Dream More Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge. The tune, along with other items of hers, is locked away in a box on display with four others, including a box made of chestnut wood crafted by Dolly’s uncle, Bill Owens. The box holds a letter to the future, the secret song (and a way to play it), handwritten lyrics, a copy of Parton’s 2012 book “Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You” and a piece of wood from Parton’s front porch mountain home.
However, fans of the late, legendary singer and actress will need to be patient, as they will have to wait a while before they hear that secret song. The plaque inside the box indicates that it should be opened in 2046, on Dolly’s 100th birthday.
At the time, the "Jolene" singer thought the idea of a mystery box song was a little odd and strange. But after it was suggested by a member of her team as a marketing tool for the Tennessee resort, however, she agreed to the move.
“It’s kind of weird or strange that they would ask me to write this mystery song,” she said. “I don’t know if I want to live to be 100 or not. But you never know. I might, and if I do, I’m going to be at that opening.”
"I won’t be around to hear it,” Parton told Jimmy Fallon during an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." "I’ll be dead and gone – well, I might not be, 'cause I’ll be 99. You know me, I might still be hopping around.”
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Rich Fury/Staff
Originally published September 02, 2026.
