Dolly Parton Lends Her Name to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Expanding Hope and Care for Kids
“I’m so honored to stand alongside this hospital and do my part to help bring more hope, more comfort and more healing to children and families.”
Dolly Parton; Photo Provided
Dolly Parton has shown up for her home state in countless ways over the years, and today, she’s announced that she’s doing it again in a way that directly impacts children in East Tennessee and beyond.
This morning, the country music icon took to social media with an exciting video that reveals she has generously given her name to East Tennessee’s Children’s Hospital. The free-standing, independent, not-for-profit pediatric health care system will now become Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital, signifying a new chapter that aims to strengthen children’s healthcare care throughout the region.
Dolly Parton has built a legacy not only through her music, but through the way she shows up for others, and this is just the latest example of her longstanding commitment to give back. She admits that desire to bring hope and lend a helping hand stems from her upbringing.
“Being fortunate to have grown up in the mountains of East Tennessee, I learned early on what it means to take care of one another,” said Dolly Parton. “Every child deserves world-class care, wrapped in kindness and love. I’m so honored to stand alongside this hospital and do my part to help bring more hope, more comfort and more healing to children and families.”
With nearly 90 years of caring for children behind it, the hospital is continuing that legacy with Dolly Parton’s support. Moving forward as Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, its mission remains centered on delivering “exceptional, comprehensive, family-centered care” that supports both the physical and emotional well-being of kids, while expanding the reach of pediatric care across the region.
“This is more than a name change,” said Matt Schaefer, President and CEO of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. “With Dolly’s support, we are strengthening our mission to deliver world-class pediatric care to families, ensuring every child who walks through our doors receives the treatment they deserve.”
In her new video, the country music icon noted how the committed caregivers of East Tennessee’s Children’s Hospital don’t just see the children as patients, but as “precious lives,” each of which has a story and a future ahead of them. She invites everyone to take part in celebrating the landmark moment by contributing to the future of pediatric care at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.
“I hope you’ll join me in doing this work,” she stated. “When we come together for our children, there’s no limit to what we can do.”
Dolly Children’s is certified by the state of Tennessee as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center. To learn more or find out how to get involved, visit DollyChildrens.org.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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