The Tennessee Volunteers football team kicked off their 2026 season on Saturday, and the entire Neyland Stadium crowd paid tribute to the late country music icon Dolly Parton. In a show of respect, the team announced ahead of the game that an orange butterfly decal with Parton's name would be placed on the back of every player's helmet. This tribute will remain a part of the team's uniform for the entire season.
According to head coach Josh Heupel, Parton's impact on the state of Tennessee and the world at large is immeasurable. He praised her dedication to her roots and her generosity in giving back to the community. The Volunteers hosted the Furman Paladins on Saturday, and the crowd's tribute to Parton continued throughout the game.
One of the most poignant moments came when the entire stadium of 102,000 fans joined together to sing Parton's 1974 hit "I Will Always Love You" in unison. The song choice was a nod to Parton's legacy, as the team has previously played Morgan Wallen's "The Way I Talk" during the fourth quarter. However, for this game, they chose to play Parton's "My Tennessee Mountain Home" instead.
The tributes to Parton were a testament to the lasting impact she had on the state of Tennessee. Her passing was felt deeply by many, and it was clear that her legacy would be remembered and celebrated by the Volunteers and their fans.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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