From HNN’s archives: How Dolly Parton left her mark in Waikiki during 1987 visit

News admin August 26, 2026 0 Comments

From HNN’s archives: How Dolly Parton left her mark in Waikiki during 1987 visit

Editor’s Note: This story is from the Hawaii News Now archives and originally aired on KGMB News on Oct. 4, 1987, by reporter Jerry Drelling.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hundreds of photo-snapping fans greeted Dolly Parton when she arrived at King’s Village in Waikīkī this morning.

She is one of country music’s top female vocalists, but today she was honored for her contributions to children’s charities. This salute to Parton was sponsored by the Variety Club of Hawaiʻi, and the ceremony included the embedding of her handprints in the village’s celebrity sidewalk. Parton now joins other stars on the sidewalk, such as Don Ho, Jim Nabors, Carole Kai, and Al Harrington.

“I love Hawaii,” Parton said. “I love Hawaiian people. I’ve always said Hawaii is like heaven to me and the local people are like angels.”

Later today, Parton also donated $10,000 to Kapiʻolani Women’s and Children’s Medical Center. The money will be used to help pay for the construction of a perinatal diagnostic center.

She also announced the opening of her restaurant in the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center at the end of the month, called Dockside Plantation. It is one of several projects she has been working on with local businessman Jaime Fountain.

“We’re going to start a showroom where I will also be performing in the future,” Parton said. “And a lot of real estate development deals, some construction, a construction company, and who knows what else.”

And yes, Parton has slimmed down quite a bit lately, primarily because of her new television show. She chalks up her new look to a strict diet.

“But I feel much better, feel much better about myself,” Parton said. “And especially when I decided to do the television show, I didn’t want to look like a hog on television no more. Look like a Kalua pig.”