Months before anyone knew how much it would come to mean, a familiar face was already growing in a Robertson County cornfield.

Back in March, Honeysuckle Hill Farm began planning its 2026 corn maze around one of Tennessee’s most recognizable icons, Dolly Parton.

By July, the design had been cut into the field, creating a larger-than-life portrait of Dolly complete with her signature hair, a guitar, musical notes, a heart and the message, “Nashville Loves Dolly.”

It was created to celebrate her through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Now, it will help honor her as Tennessee remembers the legacy she left behind.

Following the loss of Parton, Honeysuckle Hill announced that the maze would take on new meaning as a tribute to the Tennessee legend whose influence reached far beyond country music.

Choosing a country music star for the annual maze is a Honeysuckle Hill tradition.

Over the years, visitors have made their way through elaborate designs featuring artists including Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Walker Hayes and Charles Esten.

This year, it was Dolly’s turn.

Honeysuckle Hill Farm owners Justin and Mikayla Yates shared what made Dolly the inspiration for their 2026 maze.

The couple explained that the idea grew through their involvement with The MAiZE, a network of agritourism farms across the country that collaborate and share ideas.

Dolly had actually been on Honeysuckle Hill’s wish list since 2025, but the farm was unable to obtain permission to feature her that year.

When the opportunity finally came for 2026, they were thrilled.

“Dolly represents so much more than Tennessee country music,” Justin and Mikayla said. “She is a true legacy who has touched the lives of people around the world through her music, generosity, philanthropy, and the way she has remained authentically herself.”

Before opening its regular fall season, Honeysuckle Hill is inviting the community to experience the maze during a special Dolly Day on the Farm on Friday, September 25, from 3 to 6 p.m.

The afternoon will celebrate Dolly’s life and legacy with special touches including Dolly’s Pink Lemonade, Pink Kettle Corn, and a butterfly release in her memory.

Admission is $15 per person.

Because the maze was already planned and cut before Dolly’s passing, Justin and Mikayla have been watching something created as a celebration unexpectedly become a memorial.

“We truly believe that God’s timing is always best,” the couple said. “While we never could have imagined that our celebration of Dolly would become a memorial to her life, we feel incredibly honored that our 2026 maze can serve as a tribute to one of Tennessee’s greatest and most beloved legacies.”

They hope visitors see more than an impressive design carved into a field.

“We hope that when guests walk through our maze, they don’t just see a design in the corn; they see a celebration of a woman who meant so much to so many people.”

Dolly Day on the Farm comes just one day before Honeysuckle Hill kicks off its 2026 Fall Festival season, running September 26 through November 1.

Along with the Dolly corn maze and familiar fall favorites, guests will find several new additions this year, including a Mega Slide, Dig Zone, and Barnyard Coffee & Donuts.

What started months ago as another larger-than-life country music maze has unexpectedly become something more.

This fall, visitors will not only get lost in the corn. They will get the chance to walk through a tribute to a Tennessee treasure.

Plan your visit and purchase tickets from Honeysuckle Hill Farm.