PLYMOUTH, N.C. - Six counties in rural northeastern North Carolina could be home to up to 20 music theaters within a decade, said an economic developer who met with the brother of Dolly Parton.

Randy Parton, who met Washington County commissioners Monday night, has said the theaters would be an extension of the shows he has performed since 1987 at Dollywood, his sister's amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Specific sites haven't been named for any theater, which could offer mountain music, pop, gospel, country and more. The model would be similar to the circuit of theaters in the Branson, Mo., area, but would be spread over a larger area.

"We have so many different variety of shows," Parton said.

The theaters could be built within five to 10 years, said Rick Watson, head of the Northeast Partnership, an economic development group.

The group has a letter of intent from the Partons and is seeking private developers, he said.

Randy Parton said he believed such a venture would thrive in the region.

"Oh, absolutely," said Randy Parton, "or I wouldn't be here."

Parton, and his wife, Deb, were spending nine days touring northeastern North Carolina.

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