08/26/2026
Today Tennessee—and America—lost one of its greatest voices.
Dolly Parton never needed politics to prove that she loved her country. In her own words, “I’m not a bit political, but I’m extremely patriotic.”
And she lived it.
She honored America's servicemen and women, recorded an entire patriotic album, wrote songs about freedom, sacrifice and coming home from war, and repeatedly expressed gratitude for the freedoms Americans inherited from the generations before us.
But perhaps what made Dolly's patriotism so powerful was that it wasn't based on party, division or hatred of the other side. It was rooted in gratitude, faith, freedom, service and love of country.
She was also unmistakably Tennessee—born in the Smoky Mountains, carrying those roots with her no matter how famous she became, and eventually investing her success back into the people and communities that helped shape her.
You didn't have to agree with Dolly Parton about everything to know what she stood for.
She loved her home.
She loved her country.
She respected those who defended it.
And she spent a lifetime giving something back.
That's patriotism worth remembering.
Rest easy, Dolly.
Tennessee was proud to call you one of ours. 🇺🇸
