Bakersfield Fabricator Built Steel Dolly Parton Tribute
A custom 6-foot steel cross honoring Dolly Parton is now on display at the Kern County Fair.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Country
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Kevin Russell of American Fabrication has crafted a 6-foot steel cross dedicated to country music legend Dolly Parton. The memorial is currently being showcased at the KUZZ radio tent during the Kern County Fair.
Why it matters
The project serves as a charitable tribute, reflecting the creator's dedication to building public memorials. Russell aims to honor cultural icons through his welding work while supporting community engagement.
The final steel cross stands 6 feet tall, an increase from the initial 5-foot iteration. The American Fabrication shop operates on an 8-acre facility in Bakersfield.
The players
Kevin Russell
He is the owner of American Fabrication and the creator of several high-profile steel memorials.
American Fabrication
This Bakersfield-based welding and powder coating shop previously built memorials for Kobe Bryant and the Route 91 concert.
Dolly Parton
She is an iconic country music singer, songwriter, and philanthropist known for her extensive influence on American culture.
Kern County Fair
This is a prominent annual community event held in Bakersfield that features local vendors and exhibits.
The details
The fabrication team designed the cross locally to ensure accurate scaling for the tribute. Following its display at the fair, the memorial is slated for transport to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Timeline
The memorial is on display at the Kern County Fair during October 2026.
The 6-foot cross is scheduled to be shipped to Tennessee after October 4, 2026.
Roadmap
Custom metal fabrication for public art continues to grow as a niche industry for specialized shops. These tributes increasingly bridge the gap between industrial craftsmanship and cultural commemoration.
Visitors to the Kern County Fair can view the memorial at the KUZZ radio tent during the event. Those interested in custom metal work can engage with local fabrication services for commemorative projects.
The takeaway
Creating large-scale metal tributes serves as a unique avenue for charitable community contribution and public art. This project demonstrates how specialized trade skills can be utilized to celebrate well-known cultural figures.
What happens next
The 6-foot steel cross is scheduled to be shipped from Bakersfield to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, following the conclusion of the Kern County Fair after October 4, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local industry at the Country section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGET 17.
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