A Dolly Parton-inspired corn maze in Grand Rapids that was planned before her death has been given new meaning as a memorial to the late American icon ahead of its opening this week.

The maze features her signature hair, musical notes, guitar, and more, giving Michiganders a chance to celebrate her legacy while getting a little lost along the way.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the story behind this larger-than-life Michigan tribute, and how you can see it for yourself.

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A Dolly Parton-inspired corn maze, photographed on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 will open to the public at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. The maze was planned before Dolly’s death and is a celebration of her Imagination Library. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

Only in America, where royalty is determined not by birth but hard work and luck, can a corn field become a memorial fit for a queen.

Here, 6½ acres cut into a maze form the contours of Dolly Parton’s face.

People from all over West Michigan, and perhaps even the Midwest, are expected to flock to the maze which opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, and find their way through the Queen of Country’s big blonde locks, adorable dimples, musical notes, acoustic guitar and signature symbol, a fluttering butterfly.

The maze will give thousands of families a place to go to spend time together this fall through the first week of November, but also to mourn and feel a little closer to Parton, a luminary who left a legacy of music, homespun sense, and good deeds.

“Dolly Parton’s story and what she stood for really resonates with a lot of America,” Allan Robinette, 34, told the Free Press. His family owns the farm, where the maze is and is awestruck by the interest. “It doesn’t matter who you are, you feel what she’s done is downright inspirational.”

An annual fall attraction at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, the maze features a different design each year. The more than a century-old farm sells apples, peaches, cider, treats, and wine. This year, the maze was intended to be an homage to Parton. But, since the 80-year-old’s death, it has turned into something more.

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Interested?

While Dolly Parton was loved by people all across the world, there’s no disputing that she she meant the most to the people of Tennessee.

And it all made me wonder, although there are many famous people whose identity is tied to Michigan, I wanted to hear from readers this week who Michigan’s Dolly Parton cultural equivalent is.

So, this week let me know:

Reminder: When responding, include your first name and where you’re from to have your answer included.

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Send it my way. I might feature it in a future edition.

Missed the answers to last week’s question: “What last-minute trip or activity are you doing before summer ends?” Find them in our Friday newsletter here.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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