Auction sees $90k bid for visit to Dolly Parton's house

A fundraiser in the US has seen a successful $90,000 (£57,500) bid for the chance to visit Dolly Parton's mountainside home in Tennessee.

The 2010 Evening of Elegance auction at Mills Auditorium, Gatlinburg, saw Sabrina Taylor and Tabitha Hall stump up the cash in aid of the Dr Robert F Thomas Foundation, for which the singer is the honorary chairperson.

Following the purchase, the buyers will attend a special event organised by Parton at her famous Sevierville residence.

It will start with a private tour, followed by a barbeque in the gardens accompanied by bluegrass entertainment.

Moreover, the donors will sleep over in Parton's guest cottage, before being treated to a traditional breakfast by the singer herself the next morning.

The country star - whose most famous songs include the likes of Jolene and I Will Always Love You - said she was pleased to hear the news.

Commenting on the moment she discovered details of the $90,000 figure, Parton stated: "My first response was - are you kidding me?"

She added: "When the shock wore off, I was absolutely thrilled to know that some really special folks are coming to see me again."

Posted by Keith Leicester