Tennessee opened its 2026 season by making sure Dolly Parton was part of the moment.
Before kickoff of Saturday’s Week 1 game, the Volunteers paid tribute to the country music icon, who died at 80 last month after a brief battle with cancer. Parton, the fourth of 12 children born in a one-room cabin in nearby Locust Ridge, has long been one of the most recognizable names tied to the state, and Tennessee leaned into that connection in a big way at Neyland Stadium.
According to WATE 6 News’ Sam Granville, the crowd of 102,000 was heard singing Dolly’s version of “I Will Always Love You” word-for-word during a commercial break. Fans quickly embraced the moment online.
“Hat tip to the Vols, thats incredible,” a user said.
“I will always love this,” David Cone posted.
“I’m not crying…..you’re crying,” another replied.
“This is going to hit so hard during a tight SEC night game,” Andy Staples shared.
“Tennessee (and UT fans) hit it out of the park with tributes to Dolly,” Josh Ward commented.
“This rules,” Mark Ennis stated.
UT head coach Josh Heupel also spoke about Parton earlier this week, calling her “All that she’s meant across the world, this country, and certainly the Queen of East Tennessee,” Heupel told reporters (via ESPN).
“A lady that was extremely proud of her roots. You look at her impact, just her ability to give back, make an impact to people, certainly here in East Tennessee. She means a lot to people across this country, but certainly here inside the state of Tennessee, too.”
Parton’s death clearly landed hard in Knoxville, and Tennessee made sure her presence was felt before the first snap. It likely won’t be the last time Neyland Stadium remembers her this season.
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