Tennessee Volunteers Fans Deliver Beautiful Tribute To Dolly Parton
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University Of Tennessee Honors Dolly Parton
The University of Tennessee Volunteers kicked off their 2026 season at home Saturday (September 5) playing against the Furman Paladins. The game also served as a heartfelt tribute to one of Tennessee’s most beloved icons, Dolly Parton.
Dolly was honored throughout the game as the Vols proudly wore helmet decals featuring her name.
Tennessee also introduced a special Dolly Parton karaoke camera, giving fans the opportunity to sing along to some of the country legend’s most iconic songs throughout the game.
Although Dolly never attended the university, the East Tennessee native developed a special connection with the school over the years.
In 2009, UT Knoxville awarded her an honorary doctorate and invited her to deliver the commencement address. She later returned to campus several times, including a memorable 2023 appearance at Neyland Stadium, where she performed “Rocky Top” alongside Tennessee football legend Peyton Manning.
When Dolly’s legendary hit “I Will Always Love You” began playing on Saturday, the stadium erupted into a massive singalong, with more than 100,000 fans joining in to honor her legacy.
“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
The Tennessee marching band, The Pride of the Southland, also joined in on the special tribute by forming her name on the field.
Later in the game, the Volunteers continued the tribute by playing another one of Dolly’s classic, “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” as the stadium song heading into the fourth quarter. Dolly sure is loved in her home state.
Tennessee’s fourth-quarter tribute to Dolly Parton: “My Tennessee Mountain Home” (as expected) with plenty of highlights through the years.
— Jake Nichols (@jnichols_2121) September 5, 2026
Perfection. 🦋 pic.twitter.com/KD1vupyBkv
