Dolly Parton says she’s “so excited” that East Tennessee Children’s Hospital will be renamed to honor her.
By Website Content Manager
Dolly Parton shared the happy news on social media on Thursday, Feb. 26, announcing that East Tennessee Children’s Hospital will be renamed in her honor.
Dolly Parton is celebrating another milestone in her long history of charitable work.
The country legend, now 80, shared the news in an Instagram Reel on Thursday, Feb. 26, revealing that East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has officially been renamed the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.
In a video message posted in collaboration with the Today show and the hospital’s official account, Parton spoke about her long-held belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, supported, and surrounded by care. She said that conviction is what led her to partner with the hospital.
She also praised the institution’s nearly 90 years of service, noting that its staff treat children not just as patients, but as individuals with unique stories and futures. Expressing her excitement about the renaming, she shared that the new title reflects their shared commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care for families across East Tennessee and beyond.
Parton encouraged the public to support the hospital’s work, emphasizing that meaningful change happens when communities come together for children. She invited people to learn more and get involved through the hospital’s website.
In a separate statement, she reflected on growing up in the mountains of East Tennessee, saying it taught her the importance of caring for others. She added that she feels honored to partner with the hospital to help bring comfort, healing, and hope to children and their families.
The Knoxville-based hospital first opened in 1937 to treat children affected by polio and has remained in continuous operation ever since.
Parton, who is originally from Sevierville, is widely known for her charitable efforts, especially those benefiting children. Among her most notable initiatives is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to young children from birth until they begin school in participating communities around the world.