Parton livens up groundbreaking By Michael Barrett ROCKY MOUNT TELEGRAM, Saturday November 12, 2005 ROANOKE RAPIDS -- The dirt and grass field off Exit 171 of Interstate 95 was teeming with politicians Friday morning. Brandishing silver-plated shovels, dignitaries broke ground on a $129 million entertainment complex that carries promises of an economic windfall for the surrounding region. But for thousands of people who skipped work, school or other obligations to be there, all they really wanted to see was Dolly. That is, Dolly Parton -- the longtime entertainer who went from growing up dirt poor in Tennessee to counquering country music and becoming an American icon. While her brother, country-gospel singer Randy Parton, is launching the Carolina Crossroads Music and Entertainment District, Dolly Parton's presence turned the routine groundbreaking into a spectacle for Eastern North Carolina. Officials say the financial implications of the venture are significant -- enough to make their eyes shine brighter than Dolly Parton's bleach-blonde hair and trademark smile on Friday. Comprising over 750 acres, the music and entertainment complex will feature a hotel, restaurant, retail shopping area and waterfront promenade. Its centerpiece will be the 1,500-seat Randy Parton Theater, which will open in April 2007 and host concerts of country, pop, beach and gospel music. The project is expected to bring some 2,500 immediate jobs, and could create more than 12,000 jobs over the next five years, according to a study by the University of North Carolina. Randy Parton's hope is to follow the lead of his family's similar venues in Branson, Mo., and Pigeon Forge, Tenn. -- such as the theme park Dollywood -- which have become off-the-beaten-path tourism successes. Representatives of Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County joined state officials in lauding the development. They referred to it as a "great endeavor at a country crossroads" that would become a prime hot spot and a veritable monument for this part of the state. "If you're thinking I haven't had a good day, you're thinking wrong," said Roanoke Rapids Mayor Drewery Beale to the throng of people looking on. Many arrived as early as 5:30 a.m. -- five hours before the groundbreaking began -- just to get a better view of the stage. N.C. Rep. Michael Wray, D-27th District, called the site a "field of dreams" that will help Halifax County's transition from being a longtime textile-based economy. Lynn Minges, executive director of the N.C. Division of Tourism, said it will expound greatly on the more than 49 million visitors who came to North Carolina last year. "This is truly a landmark occasion for us," said Carolyn Johnson, vice chairwoman of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners. The ceremony began Friday with a commemoration of Veterans Day. While the crowd tolerated the ensuing political congratulations for some time, it wasn't long before chants of "Where's Dolly?" were ringing out. Several other country music stars who were there in a show of support took the stage first, including Jeannie Seely, Ray Pillow, Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius. But Dolly Parton's trip up the stairs was met with a thunderous roar. Her bright orange outfit was trimmed in gold. A pair of dangling, gold hoop earrings were overshadowed only by her long, curvy fingernails. And the star's infectious, bubbly laugh spilled out with her first trip to the microphone. "I think this is going to be the best thing to happen to this area," Parton said to cheers. "Randy is a great entertainer and a great producer. I think you're going to very happy to have him and (his wife) Deb here." Parton joined with the other singers in renditions of "God Bless America," "The Star Spangled Banner" and the country-gospel classic "I Saw the Light." Having ridden on a bus all the way from Tulsa, Okla., to attend her brother's big event, Parton told fans she'd be heading straight to New York City. A Tuesday night performance with fellow icon Elton John awaited. "I don't know what kind of dress he'll be wearing, but mine will be gold and white," she said to loud laughter. Even during the groundbreaking, Parton was vivacious and comical. Holding the silver shovel in front of her face, she used its reflective capabilities to feign a hair and makeup check. Roanoke Rapids resident Cynthia Ellis, 36, who skipped classes at Roanoke Chowan Community College to be there by 6:30 a.m., said she wouldn't have missed it for the world. "Honey, my mom has every CD she's has ever made," Ellis said. "I was raised on Dolly."