Well-deserved.
Is there anything that Dolly Parton hasn’t done throughout her career? With 25 #1 hits, 27 gold/platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), 11 #1 albums, 10 Grammy Awards, multiple best-selling books, her own theme park at Dollywood, a lifetime of impactful work through her philanthropy and more, the list of accomplishments truly seems endless.
Thanks to her long history of support for various children’s hospitals over the years, most notably the recent star-studded re-release of her 1977 hit, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” which saw all proceeds from the song fund pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, the Tennessee native is receiving a huge honor.
This morning, it was announced that East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville will officially be renamed Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in honor of the country music legend and her history of giving back to the Tennessee community.
Located at 2018 W Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee, the hospital has been open since 1937. Over the years, it has remained one of the leading pediatric centers in the state, boasting nearly 20 locations, including primary cares, urgent cares, surgery centers and rehabilitation facilities, in East Tennessee.
In a statement, Dolly would express how honored she is to stand alongside the hospital and bring hope, comfort and healing to the children and their families when they need it most.
“Being fortunate to have grown up in the mountains of East Tennessee, I learned early on what it means to take care of one another. Every child deserves world-class care, wrapped in kindness and love. I’m so honored to stand alongside this hospital and do my part to help bring more hope, more comfort and more healing to children and families.”
In a video posted to the hospital’s website, the “9 to 5” singer would once again express how much of an honor it is to support the hospital as well as its doctors, nurses and staff. Additionally, she’d highlight how she wants to highlight the fact that world-class medical care and kindness for those in need go hand-in-hand.
“I am so honored to support these doctors and nurses and their team members and volunteers who show up every day with courage and kindness. Together, we’re committed to strengthening a relationship where world-class care and a caring heart go hand-in-hand for children across East Tennessee and beyond.”
Matt Schaefer, President and CEO of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, would also comment. Highlighting the fact that Dolly’s support strengthens their facilities, he promised that every child treated at the center will receive the treatment they deserve.
“This is more than a name change. With Dolly’s support, we are strengthening our mission to deliver world-class pediatric care to families, ensuring every child who walks through our doors receives the treatment they deserve.”
Before you go, listen to the recent re-release of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”
