08/25/2026
Such a sad day. Dolly Parton was so much more than a singer and entertainer—she was the heart of East Tennessee.
I spent every summer in the Sevierville and Pigeon Forge area, long before it became the popular destination it is today. Over the years, I watched it grow into a place visited by families from all over the country, and so much of that growth came from Dolly’s love for her hometown.
She used her success to create jobs, bring tourism to the region, support local families, and give children around the world the gift of books through her Imagination Library. She never forgot where she came from. She gave back to the people and mountains that shaped her while sharing her music, humor, kindness, and unmistakable spirit with the world.
What a remarkable life and legacy. East Tennessee and the world will not be the same without her. Rest in peace, Dolly. 🤍