Dolly remembered
Parton’s iconic voice swirled in the breeze, carried from a Bluetooth speaker toward the fans and mountains she loved.
That was the scene outside the Sevier County courthouse last Tuesday, Aug. 25, as
Parton’s death at age 80 made headlines just hours prior. People flocked to the statue to pay their respects to the icon, but in the days since, several other notable tributes have emerged, too.
Last weekend, 12 Regal movie theaters across the area displayed screenings of two Parton movies.
Regal donated all proceeds from those weekend screenings to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which delivers free books to children across the world every week until the age of 5.
The Tennessee football team also announced it will honor Parton with special helmet stickers, which will debut in the opener against Furman Saturday, Sept. 5.
Earlier in the week, State Sen. Jessie Seal proposed legislation to designate Sept. 25 as ‘9 to 5 Day’ in memory of Parton, and Gov. Bill Lee proposed renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of Parton.
"Dolly Parton's extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state," Gov. Lee said in a statement. "From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith and kindness."
Per ABC News, Lee's proposal will be addressed at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority's meeting on Sept. 17.
Here in East Tennessee, Parton’s impact will continue through her aforementioned library and Dollywood theme park, which remained open the day after her death “as Dolly wanted," said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President.
“The greatest privilege of my life has been helping Dolly bring her dreams to life at Dollywood,” Naughton said. “Dolly’s heart was as vast as the mountains she cherished, and her compassion knew no bounds. She inspired generations to dream boldly and love deeply. While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”
It also will continue through care dispensed at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, which was renamed for Parton.
A formal ribbon-cutting was set for Wednesday, Aug. 26, a day after Parton’s death.
Once Parton’s death was announced, the hospital canceled the Jubilee set for the following day.
“Dolly’s legacy of love and hope will continue to inspire us and the countless children and families whose lives she has touched,” hospital president and CEO Matt Schaefer said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. In Dolly’s memory, we will help bring more hope, more comfort and more healing to children and families."
