RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Dolly Parton ‘s larger-than-life legacy is taking on a new shape this fall — one that fans can wander through.
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Twenty farms across the U.S. and Canada are opening corn mazes designed in tribute to the country music star and her Imagination Library. The attractions were planned as part of the annual Country Music Corn Maze campaign before Parton’s death on Aug. 25 at age 80, making the tribute even more special.
Created by agritourism company The Maize Inc., the 20 installations span 15 states and two Canadian provinces. Each maze features its own take on a Dolly-inspired design, celebrating the singer’s music and philanthropic work.
“We are beyond humbled to honor Dolly’s legacy, joining the world in mourning the passing of a true American treasure,” Brett Herbst, founder of The Maize Inc. and designer of the Dolly mazes, said in a statement. “Dolly’s impact on the world and her love for farming is immeasurable and our corn maze tributes now take on new meaning and significance, as we honor her and her beloved Imagination Library.”
The participating farms will also give a portion of their maze proceeds to Parton’s Imagination Library, the book-gifting program she launched in 1995. The initiative provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth through age 5, and has distributed more than 304 million books worldwide since its founding, according to the non-profit program .
The connection between Parton and the farming community is special to those behind the project. In a statement announcing her death, her family remembered her roots, noting that while her father farmed the soil, Parton farmed “songs and happiness.”
Before her death, Parton had expressed her excitement about this year’s corn maze campaign and its support of the Imagination Library.
“I’m grateful for the support of my Imagination Library and am excited to invite people out to get lost in this year’s country music corn maze for a little fun, laughter and a real good reason to get lost,” she said in a video shared on social media.
Visitors will have more to do than simply find their way from entrance to exit. The participating farms are incorporating interactive games and clues centered on Parton, along with Dolly-themed photo opportunities, storytelling, music and other seasonal activites.
This year marks the 31st anniversary of the Imagination Library, making the campaign a celebration of both Parton’s enduring musical influence and the work she devoted herself to, separate from the stage.
The Country Music Corn Maze tradition has previously saluted Reba McEntire , Luke Bryan and Lainey Wilson in recent years. But in 2026, the annual fall attraction has become something more: a chance for fans and families across North America to step into a tribute to an artist whose influence reached far beyond country music.
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