Dolly Parton’s connection to East Tennessee will be part of every Tennessee Volunteers football game this season. Head coach Josh Heupel announced Monday that players will wear a commemorative helmet sticker honoring the country music icon, who died Aug. 25 at age 80.
As revealed by the Tennessee football program, the decal features an orange butterfly with Dolly written in white at the center. The tribute will remain on the players’ helmets throughout the 2026 season.
Parton grew up in Sevierville, about 30 miles from the University of Tennessee’s Knoxville campus, and maintained close ties to the region throughout her life. She also built a major philanthropic presence through programs including her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children.
Her relationship with the university included a 2009 commencement appearance, when she received an honorary doctorate. In 2023, she returned to Neyland Stadium and joined the crowd for a performance of Rocky Top during Tennessee’s game against Georgia.
The Volunteers begin their season against Furman on Sept. 5.