Country legend Dolly Parton [ tickets ] is gearing up for a rare tour that's expected to touch down in dozens of cities during the coming months.

Parton warms up with four benefit concerts at Dollywood, her Tennessee theme park. Proceeds from the shows--two each day on Sept. 25 and 26--will go to the non-profit Dollywood Foundation, which administers educational programs for children in Parton's native Sevier County, TN, and nationwide.

In October, Parton launches a North American tour that is being booked into arenas and large theaters through the end of the year. Dates confirmed at press time are in the itinerary below; more will be announced. The Grascals--a six-piece bluegrass outfit--will serve as Parton's band during the tour.

The outing will back Parton's forthcoming concert release "Live & Well," which she recorded during her first national outing in 10 years, 2002's "Halos & Horns" tour. The album features songs from her recent bluegrass collections "The Grass is Blue," "Little Sparrow" and "Halos & Horns." The CD, and a separate concert-film DVD with the same title, hit stores on Sept. 14, according to Sugar Hill Records.