08/25/2026
Dolly Parton, Tennessee’s most iconic daughter, has passed away at age 80, leaving an irreplaceable void in a state she never left behind. Born in rural Sevier County and rooted in Appalachian values, Parton became the embodiment of Tennessee’s spirit—resilient, generous, and authentically herself. She transformed her home state’s identity on the world stage, with Dollywood serving as a symbol of her unwavering dedication to East Tennessee. Throughout her legendary career, Parton remained a devoted ambassador for Tennessee, representing the heart and soul of her native state to the world. The Volunteer State has lost its greatest ambassador, but her legacy will forever define what it means to be a true Tennessean.