That experience eventually carried into one of her later business ventures. In 2026, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop opened along Interstate 65 in Cornersville, Tennessee, with facilities specifically for professional drivers.

From Station Wagons to Tour Buses

Parton’s early touring years looked considerably different from the customized motorcoaches she later used. She recalled traveling in station wagons, pulling a trailer and sometimes sleeping in the car before her career reached the point where she could afford her own bus.

Tour buses eventually became her preferred way to travel. One of her later motorcoaches, a customized Prevost used from 2008 to 2022, covered approximately 360,000 miles across North America. During the 2016 Pure & Simple Tour alone, it carried her to more than 60 cities in the United States and Canada.

The bus was built for extended travel and included living and working space. Parton wrote there as well, with work connected to *Backwoods Barbie* and *9 to 5: The Musical* developed aboard the motorcoach.

After it was retired, the bus became Suite 1986 at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Truck Stops Were Already Familiar Territory

Years of bus travel also meant spending plenty of time at businesses along the highway. Parton later recalled stopping at truck stops, roadside cafes, and similar locations throughout her years of touring.

She drew on that experience when discussing the development of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop. Rather than approaching the project solely as a celebrity-branded attraction, Parton spoke about knowing firsthand what it was like to spend long periods traveling and needing a good place to stop along the way.

That background helped shape a property intended to serve people who spend substantial time on the highway, including those working there.

Bringing Her Road Experience to Cornersville

Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop opened in June 2026 at Exit 22 along I-65, about 60 miles south of Nashville. Parton partnered with Gregory Sachs and her manager, Danny Nozell, to redevelop the existing Tennessean Travel Stop.

The 18-acre property combines restaurants, retail, and Dolly-themed features with the services expected from a commercial travel center. For professional drivers, that includes diesel fueling, truck parking, private showers, laundry facilities, truck supplies, and a dedicated lounge.

The property also includes a tour bus inspired by those Parton used during her career, bringing a piece of her touring history into a location serving people whose own work is spent on the road.

The Cornersville location was announced as the first step in a larger travel-stop concept, with additional locations planned in Tennessee and possible expansion beyond the state.

A Lasting Place Along the Highway

Parton’s influence reached well beyond country music, and the Cornersville travel stop added the trucking community to the long list of people touched by her work. She brought attention and investment to a place built in part around the needs of professional drivers, with parking, showers, laundry, fueling, and space to rest incorporated into the property.

For truck drivers who grew up with her music or heard it while crossing the country, her presence along I-65 now carries added meaning. Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop gives that connection a permanent home along the highway and leaves the industry with one more piece of a legacy that reached across generations. Her passing will be felt far beyond the music world, including among the professional drivers she welcomed into one of her final projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles did Dolly Parton’s tour bus travel?

The customized Prevost motorcoach Parton used from 2008 to 2022 traveled approximately 360,000 miles across North America. It was used for touring and other travel throughout that period.

Did Dolly Parton write while traveling?

Yes. Her motorcoach included working space, and Parton developed material there while traveling. Work connected to *Backwoods Barbie* and *9 to 5: The Musical* was created aboard the bus.

Did Dolly Parton visit truck stops while touring?

Yes. Parton spoke about years spent stopping at truck stops, roadside cafes, and other highway businesses during her time touring by bus.

Where is Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop?

The travel stop is at Exit 22 along Interstate 65 in Cornersville, Tennessee, approximately 60 miles south of Nashville.

What does the travel stop offer professional drivers?

The property includes diesel fueling, truck parking, private showers, laundry facilities, truck supplies, and a dedicated lounge, along with restaurants and other travel-center amenities.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 8, 2026

The post Dolly Parton and Life on the Road: Where Her Career Crossed Paths with Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

What began with a handful of recordings during the 1950s eventually grew into its own corner of country music, producing chart-topping hits and some of the genre’s most recognizable songs.

The Early Years of Truck-Driving Country

One of the earliest recordings to establish trucking as a country music theme was Terry Fell’s “Truck Driving Man,” released in 1954. Although originally issued as the B-side of a single, the recording developed a lasting audience and was later covered by numerous country artists. The Country Music Hall of Fame recognizes it as one of Fell’s signature songs and an important early contribution to truck-driving country.

Its success demonstrated that stories centered on professional drivers resonated with country audiences, encouraging writers and performers to explore similar themes throughout the following decade.

A Real Highway Inspired One of Country Music’s Biggest Trucking Hits

Few truck-driving songs were rooted in a real location as directly as Dick Curless’ “A Tombstone Every Mile.”

Released nationally in 1965, the song drew inspiration from the Haynesville Woods section of U.S. Route 2A in northern Maine, where severe winter weather and difficult driving conditions had earned the road a formidable reputation. Written by broadcaster Dan Fulkerson, the song reached No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and remained there for 17 weeks.

The recording became Curless’ signature hit, but it was far from his only trucking song. During his career, more than 20 of his recordings reached Billboard’s country chart, including “Big Wheel Cannonball” and “Hard, Hard Traveling Man.” His contribution to the genre was later recognized by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum through a dedicated exhibit celebrating his career.

Truck Drivers Became Familiar Characters on Country Radio

By the early 1960s, trucking songs had become a recognizable part of country music rather than an occasional novelty.

Dave Dudley’s “Six Days on the Road” reached No. 2 on Billboard’s country chart in 1963 and remains one of the defining recordings of the genre. Two years later, Del Reeves scored a No. 1 country hit with “Girl on the Billboard,” proving that trucking-themed songs could compete with any other subject on country radio.

Artists approached the genre from different directions. Some focused on demanding schedules and time away from home, while others leaned into humor, romance or memorable encounters along the highway. That variety helped truck-driving country develop beyond a single formula and gave listeners songs that reflected many different aspects of life on the road.

“Convoy” Introduced Trucking to Mainstream America

The genre reached an entirely different audience in 1975 when C.W. McCall released “Convoy.”

Built around CB radio conversations and a fictional cross-country convoy, the recording topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard’s country chart. Truck-driver terminology that had once been heard primarily over CB radios suddenly became part of everyday conversation, helped by the song’s crossover success and the popularity of the 1978 film inspired by it.

Another trucking anthem followed in 1977 when Jerry Reed recorded “East Bound and Down” for *Smokey and the Bandit*. The song became closely associated with the film and remains one of the best-known recordings connected to trucking and country music.

An Enduring Part of Country Music History

Truck-driving country never disappeared, even after its commercial peak. Classic recordings continue to appear on country radio, streaming platforms and retrospective collections, introducing new listeners to songs that helped define a unique chapter of American music.

The genre also preserved a record of its time. References to CB radios, two-lane highways, independent truck stops and long-distance driving capture an era of trucking that has largely disappeared, giving many of the songs historical value beyond their commercial success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered one of the first truck-driving country songs?

“Truck Driving Man,” recorded by Terry Fell in 1954, is widely recognized as one of the earliest recordings to establish truck driving as a recurring subject in country music.

Which truck-driving song was based on a real place?

Dick Curless’ “A Tombstone Every Mile” was inspired by the Haynesville Woods section of U.S. Route 2A in northern Maine, a highway known for hazardous winter driving conditions.

Which truck-driving songs reached No. 1?

Del Reeves’ “Girl on the Billboard” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart in 1965, while C.W. McCall’s “Convoy” reached No. 1 on both the country chart and the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975.

Is truck-driving country still popular today?

While the genre’s commercial peak occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, many of its best-known songs continue to be played on country radio, streaming services, and classic country playlists.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 14, 2026

The post The Classic Country Hits That Tell the Stories of America’s Truck Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

We asked our Truck Drivers USA Facebook community:
“Who’s your most listened to artist this year?”

The answers were loud and proud—and the variety says a lot about the personalities behind the wheel.

Rock and Metal Are Still Kings of the Road

If you’re looking for music that gets the adrenaline going, you’re in good company.

Merv Gristey keeps it legendary with Rush, AC/DC, Metallica, and rising favorites Liliac.
Ferdi Van de Kruisweg rocks out to Iron Maiden, Five Finger Death Punch, and Ghost, while Craig Clancy adds The Stunning and Shed Seven to his Iron Maiden rotation.
Kenny Robertson turns it up with Metallica and Slayer, and Mike Bohannon mixes in Kid Rock and AC/DC.
Jeremy Sieving is all about Orbit Culture, and Steven Clark shared two favorites: Nightwish and Amon Amarth.
Kaye Kangas tunes into Apocalyptica, Dethklok, and classic rock radio.
Shawn L Mauldin adds Subhumans to his list, while Dave George reps The Exploited.

Country Still Runs Deep in the Cab

The classics are alive and well.

Dean P. Voshell listens to Waylon Jennings, and Tony Cane shared a mix of Merle Haggard, Queen, and Haggard’s sons.
Don Sell goes with T. Graham Brown, and Randy Paiz prefers Alan Jackson.
Leo Fagan keeps it simple with “Merele the Man Haggard.”
Will Wipf summed up his vibe: “Anything old country.”
Linda Crain likes Luke Combs, and Juan Manuel Lumbreras Jr. sticks with Morgan Wallen.

Every Genre, Every Generation

Drivers didn’t hold back when it came to variety.

Joshua Ainsworth stays loyal to Def Leppard, and Lynn Engelbretson rotates between Muse and Iron Maiden.
Chris Goodwin shouted out Moonshine Bandits, while AJ Risner named Tony Justice: “I love music I can relate to.”
Thelma Blom listens to Heidi Hauge, and John W Van Syoc rides with Cara Dillon.
Patricia Butler recommended Dan Vasc on YouTube for his vocals and powerful covers.
Nancy Heffner Jacobson listens to Marc Scibilia, especially the track Times Like This.
Les Wohlers is all about Jimmy Buffett, and Kevin Marks prefers the beats of Paul Oakenfold.
Lynnea Parks keeps the energy high with Skillet, and Nancy Laughlin listens to Post Malone.
Kristopher Kolinek reps Pecos and the Rooftops, Steven Smithen is into Dream Theater, and Beau Johnson gave a nod to Sleep Token.

Outliers and Deep Cuts

Every now and then, a response makes you smile.

John Garafola gave a truly unique mix: Slim Whitman, Boxcar Willie, “Yoko Ono – Clearing the Room,” and “Andre the Giant – All My Best.”
Robert Schaffer listens to The Rolling Stones, while Dawson Vanroekel picked ILLENIUM.
Dan Shakes keeps it southern with Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Terry Hart added rising artist Kassi Ashton.
Glenn Tyler rides with Demun Jones, and Keith Bolton gave shoutouts to Fozzy and THC (Texas Hippie Coalition).
Mike Mike added Sheryl Crow.
Nick DenHaan even dropped a link to his own album on Spotify.

Sometimes, Silence Says It All

Not everyone listens to music on the road.

Ryan Whalen keeps it simple: “Whatever my wife plays.”
Kyle Yadon is more into Audible these days.
Scott Krauss shared, “A lot of quiet—just the hum of the tires on the road.”
And John Crooks just said: “Silence.”

Join the Conversation

Truckers don’t all listen to the same thing—but every playlist tells a story. From country ballads to face-melting metal, these drivers are keeping America moving one track at a time.

Got a favorite artist of your own?

Join the conversation on our Facebook page and connect with thousands of other drivers who get it. Truck Drivers USA Facebook Community.

The post What Truck Drivers Are Listening to on the Road in 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“It’s a charity that’s real close to mine and Misty’s heart after what she went through,” Justice shares. “and learning how that disease impacts the entire family, not just the person with the cancer, but everyone around them. And it’s a big deal to go through, so we definitely support that.”

Additionally, the event will raise money for the Bristol Children’s Charity, helping young ones across Tennessee and Virginia.

Bigger Venue, Bigger Dreams

Last year, Large Cars & Guitars showcased nearly 200 trucks at Smokies Stadium and raised nearly $56,000 for charity. With the move to Bristol Motor Speedway, Justice is hopeful for an even larger turnout.

“We actually have unlimited space for bobtails and combos,” Justice said. “That’d be cool to see that place filled up, all that parking lot around there. But that would take probably about 10,000 trucks.” He quipped that he’s not sure if he wants to “tackle that kind of goal or not, but you never know what something might turn into. We’re happy with where it is.”

Rather than being a competitive truck show, Justice calls the gathering more of a “trucker reunion.” The goal is connection and camaraderie, with an emphasis on enjoying the trucks without the pressure of perfection.

”The truckers who bring their rigs clean their trucks up, but they’re not stressed out about them being just dialed in perfectly,” he added.

The only judging involved? That’s up to the kids attending, who vote for their favorite trucks.

Musical Lineup to Rock the Speedway

On top of the incredible truck displays, music takes center stage during the two-day event. Fans can look forward to performances by Tony Justice himself and country music powerhouse Montgomery Gentry ft. Eddie Montgomery on the evening of May 24.

Other acts joining the lineup include:

• Long Haul Paul Marhoefer, an Overdrive contributor

• Past Trucker Talent Search winner Taylor Barker

• Rising star Elvie Shane

• Breakout artist EmiSunshine

And that’s just the start! With more artists to be announced, attendees are in for two days of unforgettable live country music.

Registration and Event Details

Truckers interested in bringing their rigs to Bristol can register online. The fees include:

• Bobtails: $100
• Dump Trucks: $100
• Combos: $150

Source: Overdrive

Image Source: Bristol Motor Speedway, Overdrive, Bennett

The post Large Cars & Guitars 2025 Gets Bigger with a Venue Change appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Known for their chart-topping hit “God Blessed Texas,” Little Texas will rock the main stage on Friday, July 11 at 7 PM. The band’s history of creating iconic country tunes started with their debut album, First Time for Everything, which featured five charted singles in 1991. Just two years later, their album Big Time solidified their place in country music with fan-favorites like “God Blessed Texas.”

A Full Lineup of Live Entertainment

While Little Texas is headlining, this year’s truck show offers plenty of live music to keep everyone entertained. The full lineup includes:

• The Jimmy Welty Band – Performing Thursday, July 10, at 5 PM

• Casey Muessigmann – Catch his energetic performance Thursday, July 10, at 7 PM

• Angela Meyer and the Western Stars – Taking the stage Friday, July 11, at 5 PM

• Dani Lynn Howe and Band – Wrapping up the show Saturday, July 12, at 1 PM

Experience More Than Just Music

The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is more than just a truck show. It’s a celebration of all things trucking, bringing together drivers, families, and enthusiasts for three days of fun. Attendees can enjoy:

• A diverse truck show displaying vintage and custom rigs

• Delicious food at the pork chop cookout

• Kid-friendly games and activities for family fun

• The always-entertaining Truckers Olympics

Mark Your Calendar

Join the trucking community from July 10 to July 12 at the Iowa 80 truck stop for the Walcott Truckers Jamboree. Don’t miss the opportunity to see industry-favorite Little Texas perform live and take part in a memorable weekend.

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Iowa 80

The post Walcott Truckers Jamboree Welcomes Little Texas to Iowa 80’s Annual Truck Show appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Opening for Ford is none other than trucker and singer-songwriter Tony Justice, who’s known for captivating audiences at MATS and other trucking events across the nation.

How to Get Tickets

The concert is free for MATS attendees, with tickets available for pickup on Thursday and Friday during the show’s run from March 27–29.

About Colt Ford

Colt Ford first burst onto the music scene with his debut album, Ride Through the Country, in 2008. Since then, he’s made a significant impact in the industry, releasing a total of eight albums, with his latest, Must Be The Country, coming out in 2023. His breakthrough fourth album, Declaration of Independence, reached the number one spot on the Top Country Albums charts.

While Ford has carved out a successful career in music, it hasn’t been without challenges. After suffering a heart attack following a concert in Arizona in April 2024, Ford is now back on the road doing what he loves most. This follows another health scare in 2021 when he underwent surgery for eye cancer.

Before becoming a celebrated musician, Ford excelled in the world of golf. He played for the University of Georgia during college and later competed professionally on the Nationwide Tour.

About Tony Justice

A fan-favorite at MATS, Tony Justice brings his authentic, trucker-inspired music to the stage once again. Justice’s latest album, Greatest Shifts, features an impressive collection of 21 tracks, including six brand-new songs.

Don’t miss this iconic night of country and trucking culture. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Colt Ford and Tony Justice or discovering their music for the first time, this concert promises to deliver unforgettable memories.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Colt Ford

The post Mark Your Calendars: Colt Ford to Headline Free Concert at MATS 2025! appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Jason Aldean’s Connection to Trucking

Before becoming a country music star, Jason Aldean worked as a truck driver. This experience gave him a unique understanding of the trucking lifestyle, which is often reflected in his music and the way he connects with his audience. Aldean’s firsthand knowledge of the challenges and rewards of life on the road endears him to many truckers who see their own lives reflected in his songs.

In 2017, Aldean was the surprise entertainer at the Freightliner Trucks customer appreciation dinner during the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition in Orlando. His performance, which paid tribute to the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, was a moment of solidarity and reflection for the attendees, many of whom are part of the trucking industry.

Aldean’s Music and Trucking Culture

Aldean’s music often resonates with themes central to the trucking lifestyle, such as resilience, the open road, and small-town values. His song “Tough Crowd” has become particularly popular among truckers for its depiction of hard-working, salt-of-the-earth individuals who make up his fan base.

Furthermore, Aldean’s 2024 “Highway Desperado” tour captures the essence of the nomadic and rugged lifestyle that many truckers lead. This tour has generated significant excitement within the trucking community, highlighting the deep connection between Aldean’s music and the trucking ethos.

Aldean’s Venues and Trucking Hubs

Jason Aldean has also opened several venues that serve as popular stops for truckers. His Kitchen + Rooftop Bar locations in Nashville and Pittsburgh are frequented by truckers passing through these major cities. These venues offer a place for truckers to unwind and enjoy good food and music, creating a community atmosphere that is cherished by those constantly on the road.

Jason Aldean’s contributions to the trucking industry go beyond his music. His performances at industry events, the relatable themes in his songs, and his venues all create a significant cultural overlap between country music and trucking. For truckers, Aldean’s music is more than just entertainment; it’s a source of camaraderie and inspiration that accompanies them on their journeys across the country.

The post The Intersection of Country Music and Trucking: Jason Aldean’s Impact on the Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.