Tennessee football plans Dolly Parton tribute for 2026 season
The country music legend is receiving a proper remembrance from her favorite team.
As Dolly Parton's passing reverberates through the country music industry, Tennessee Volunteers football is preparing a fitting tribute for the 2026 season. Coach Josh Heupel announced that the team will honor the beloved country icon by adorning their helmets with decals featuring a butterfly and her signature in cursive. Tennessee has long been a home for Parton, who resided in the state her entire life, and she frequently attended sporting events to support the Volunteers.
The tribute comes after Parton's heartfelt performances, such as her rendition of "Rocky Top" with Peyton Manning, which remain iconic moments in the university's history. Heupel praised the late legend, who passed away at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026, for her enduring impact on the community.
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