Tennessee to wear Dolly Parton tribute on helmets during 2026 college football season
The Guardian • • sports
Key Points:
- The Tennessee Volunteers football team will honor Dolly Parton with a helmet sticker this season, announced head coach Josh Heupel, following her death last week at age 80 from cancer.
- Parton, a Tennessee native from Sevierville near Knoxville, was celebrated for her global impact and deep ties to East Tennessee, where she was known as a proud local icon.
- The helmet sticker, in the Volunteers’ orange, features a butterfly inspired by Dollywood’s logo and includes “Dolly” at its center to recognize her accomplishments and legacy.
- Parton had a strong connection to the University of Tennessee, performing on campus during world tours and leading the crowd in “Rocky Top” at Neyland Stadium in 2023.
- Tennessee will debut the tribute sticker as they open their football season against Furman on Saturday.
