Dolly Parton
UT will honor Dolly Parton with a special helmet decal this season

SEC College Football Team to Honor Dolly Parton With Special Helmet Decal

Following her death, Country Music Hall of Famer Dolly Parton has received several posthumous tributes from dozens of music icons and celebrities.

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Miley Cyrus, Parton's goddaughter, shared an emotional message and vowed to write a song about the late Country music star. More recently, Brad Paisley performed a touching solo rendition of his famous duet with Dolly Parton.

Musicians were not the only people rocked by the news of Parton's death, and a college in her native Tennessee has finalized plans for a season-long tribute to the "Jolene" singer.

College Football Team Will Honor Dolly Parton With Helmet Decal

The University of Tennessee's football program will honor the late country singer and philanthropist with a sticker on the back of players' helmets during the entire 2026 season, Volunteers coach Josh Heupel announced Monday.

"All that she's meant across the world, this country, and certainly the Queen of East Tennessee," Heupel told reporters. "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 previously spoke at the university's commencement in 2009 and received an honorary doctorate of humane and musical letters.

She performed on campus during world tours in 2011 and 2014.

Now, the school will carry her memory onto the gridiron this upcoming season.

"A commemorative helmet sticker will be worn to honor Dolly Parton for every game this season," the school

In the Volunteers' game against Georgia in 2023, Parton ignited the Neyland Stadium crowd with a rendition of "Rocky Top." She was escorted to the stage by legendary UT quarterback Peyton Manning.

"There was only one Dolly. I feel lucky to have known her," Manning wrote on social media shortly after Parton's death was announced. "We'll miss you, Dolly. Tennessee won't be the same without her."

Parton passed away Aug. 25 following a brief battle with cancer. She was laid to rest in her native Tennessee on Friday.