Dolly Parton to Be Honored by Tennessee Football Team With Special Helmet Decal: ‘The Queen of East Tennessee’
The Volunteers kick off the NCAA football season against Furman on Saturday.
Dolly Parton, the beloved music icon who passed away at the age of 80 on Aug. 25, will be honored by the University of Tennessee football team with a commemorative helmet sticker for the entire upcoming season. Head coach Josh Heupel confirmed the team's plans to wear the orange butterfly decal, inscribed with Parton's signature, during every game.
The coach praised Parton as "the Queen of East Tennessee" and highlighted her deep connection to the state, her pride in her roots, and her commitment to giving back to the community. Parton had a long history with the university, serving as the commencement speaker for the class of 2009, performing "Rocky Top" during games, and receiving an honorary doctorate from the school.
She also led the Vols to victory in the "Rocky Top" performance at Neyland Stadium in 2023, alongside former NFL MVP and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Peyton Manning, who is a former UT player. Parton's influence and legacy in Tennessee are deeply cherished, as evidenced by the surge in streaming of her music following her passing.
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