Dolly Parton Song Turns University Of Tennessee Hype Video Into A Tearjerker
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The University of Tennessee is paying homage to Dolly Parton throughout the entirety of their football season.
The Tennessee Volunteers held their season opener football game on Saturday, September 5th, less than two weeks after the passing of country music icon Dolly Parton.
Dolly was raised in Sevierville, approximately 30 miles from the University of Tennessee, and her home state roots were woven throughout her career. While the “Jolene” singer did not attend the university as a student, she was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2009.
She returned to campus several times, including her 2023 appearance at Neyland Stadium to perform “Rocky Top” alongside Tennessee football legend Peyton Manning.
All The Ways The University Of Tennessee Is Honoring Dolly
Ahead of the season, the university announced that each football team athlete would display an orange butterfly decal on their helmet in memory of Dolly. Additionally, a special Dolly Parton karaoke camera lets fans sing along to some of the country legend’s most iconic songs throughout the game.
During Saturday’s game, the late musician’s iconic hit “I Will Always Love You” was broadcast through the speakers, and the stadium erupted into a massive sing-along. More than 100,000 fans joined in to honor her legacy.
The school’s marching band, The Pride of the Southland, also joined in on the special tribute by forming her name on the field.
“I Will Always Love You” ringing loud during the break with 102 thousand singing their hearts out #Vols pic.twitter.com/Z5IE8W6hjn
— Sam Granville (@samgranvilletv) September 5, 2026
Dolly Parton Sings The Soundtrack For New Vols Hype Video
To generate excitement for the upcoming football season, the University of Tennessee has released a new hype video, which elicited a surprising response from fans.
The new video, titled “Our Tennessee Home,” is set to Dolly Parton’s 1973 song “My Tennessee Mountain Home.” Inspired by her upbringing in rural East Tennessee, the song features vivid imagery of the simple lifestyle that shaped the country icon.
“And honeysuckle vine clings to the fence along the lane
Their fragrance makes the summer wind so sweet
And on a distant hilltop, an eagle spreads its wings
And a songbird on a fence post sings a melody”
In 2022, “My Tennessee Mountain Home” was officially added as one of Tennessee’s official state songs.
Fans quickly reacted to the video’s emotional pull, describing it as a beautiful tribute to Dolly and a great way to highlight the ties between the Tennessee native, the region she called home, and the traditions of football season.
Watch the new video “Our Tennessee Home” from the University of Tennessee Volunteers below!
