TENNESSEE - Pie #42 of 50 - February 2020 - Dolly Parton & Myles Robinette
State Fruit: Tomato
I have been to Tennessee.
The name “Tennessee” originates from an old Yuchi Indian word “tana-see” which means “The Meeting Place”.
Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains, Graceland, The Grand Ole Opry and Bristol, TN is said to be the birth place of country music!
I have had the privilege of visiting Pigeon Forge, TN. Home to Dollywood where my wonderful friends and recipients of North Carolina pie (Suzy, Anne, Val & Katie) took me for my 30th birthday present. They made all my dreams come through. We ate foot long corn dogs and toured Dolly Parton’s museum and tour bus. We even stayed at the Dreammore Resort and got to go to the Dixie Stampede! It was an absolute dream I will always love them for giving me something so special for my birthday and getting me one step closer to Dolly Parton the love of my life.
The pie is a biscuits and gravy pie made with Swaggerty’s sausage all the way from Tennessee with a ode to Dolly Parton crust topper. Like this biscuits and gravy pie my love for her sticks to my bones. It is also one of Dolly’s favorite foods so I had to obliged.
This pie is for my friend Myles Robinette and for a woman that has been a constant inspiration in my life Dolly Parton.
Myles and I went to the same college but didn’t officially met/become friends till here in NY.
Myles is a wonderful friend that loves the Kings of Leon and a Canadian tuxedo as much as I do. When he lived in New York he was always my karaoke partner and was always there for whiskey Friday’s and dance parties. Myles lives in Austin now with his beautiful wife Claire! I can’t wait to go visit him and his little growing family!
Where do I even begin with Dolly Parton. To say she is my role model and that I love her is a gross understatement. I first discovered her music as a little girl growing up in Hong Kong and was in awe of her musicality, her sass and just the bright light that seemed to shine off her. A true diamond in a rhinestone world. Her music has been my constant companion and her lyrics have guided me through my life so far.
I have had the privilege to see her in concert not once but TWICE! Once in NYC at Forest Hills stadium and another time when she surprised everyone by showing up at Newport Folk fest. Yes I cried happy tears both times. Her voice is so emotive and beautiful.
I will always love her.
Thank you Tennessee for giving not only a five star friend but the role mode of my whole darn life.
Because at the end of the day what would dolly do?
42 down 8 to go 🇺🇸🏼🇺🇸