Marker commemorating Dolly Parton's Ringgold wedding, an event also mentioned in the museum at Dollywood.
photo by Joseph Brellenthin
The Ringgold Convention and Visitor’s Bureau recently unveiled the second historical narrative tablet highlighting the unique wedding history of Ringgold.
The second tablet highlights the unique history of the location Dolly Parton chose to marry at the First Baptist Church of Ringgold.
“Finding unique ways to make visits to our town more interesting to residents and visitors alike is the purpose of projects like this one,” said Ronal Graham, Ringgold CVB chairman.
The Wedding Walk will soon feature its third narrative tablet that also denotes the marriage stories of celebrities who came to the community to tie the knot at the Catoosa County Courthouse, he said.
Graham said it is the tourists that help fund these projects.
"Funding for the narrative tablets are provided by hotel/motel tax funds paid for by visitors as they stay in the community and those funds must be used to enhance the experience of tourists in the community," he said.
“I continue to be amazed at how many folks want to know about the celebrities that came to Ringgold to get married,” said Vice Mayor Randall Franks. “Dolly shared her wedding story with me to write some years ago, and I am pleased it is placed where all can read it right where it happened.”
Franks, also an award-winning journalist and author, wrote the tablet narrative. Franks, who volunteers as CVB vice chair, credited local historians William H.H. “Bill” Clark, Dan Whitaker and the late Susie Blaylock McDaniel for their work in recording some of the history featured and journalist Rachel Brown for editing.
“We were also blessed to locate some vintage historical images relating to the location thanks to the Rev. Dan Whitaker,” Franks said. “Legendary Grand Ole Opry photographer Les Leverett helped us with a vintage celebrity image that also added tremendously.”
For more information about Ringgold, visit www.cityofringgold.com.
From left, Priscilla DeWitt; Dr. Ronal Graham; Raye Brooks; Ron Henderson; Randall Franks; unveil the Wedding Walk tablet in time featuring Dolly Parton
photo by Joseph Brellenthin