Dolly Parton is auctioning her personal king-sized bed from her Dollywood apartment to benefit the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation. The bed went on auction on eBay.com on Thursday, June 30 and will be sold prior to the annual fundraising event for the foundation, Evening of Elegance, on August 13 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
The bed’s headboard and footboard are white cast iron and each peice features six brass vertical insets. Dolly has autographed two of the pillowcases in a set of king-sized white lace-trimmed sheets. The bed also comes with the bedspread, ruffle, three standard-sized pillow shams and three sets of curtains with valances, all custom made items in light pink. You will find photos of the bed from Dolly’s apartment along with the auction item on eBay.
When Dollywood opened in 1986 Dolly Parton kept a personal apartment upstairs above what is now Apple Jack’s restaurant. The space was recently renovated into executive office space. Dolly says she hates to part with the bed but is happy knowing someone will have the perfect spot for it. Each year Dolly contributes something very special and one-of-kind to the auction and this year she has certainly outdone herself. The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation is special to Dolly because she was one of the many babies delivered by Dr. Thomas and is the foundation’s honorary chairwoman.
The not-for-profit foundation was established in 1983 and continues the legacy of the man who came to Sevier County in 1926 to serve a dual role of minister and family physician. The foundation’s mission is the help expand the range and quality of health care services available in Sevier County, including the $10 million capital campaign to fund the construction of LeConte Medical Center.
If you’re interested in attending the Evening of Elegance the tickets are $200 per person and can be purchased by contaction Amy Woods at 865-446-9628.