Tennessee Volunteers fans pay incredible tribute to Dolly Parton during season opener

Dolly Parton, the celebrated singer‑songwriter, actress and philanthropist who grew up in the hills of East Tennessee, died recently, prompting tributes across the state. On the opening Saturday of the University of Tennessee’s 2026 football season, the Volunteers’ home crowd at Neyland Stadium honored the icon with a series of gestures that highlighted her lasting influence on the community.

Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel announced that an orange butterfly decal bearing Parton’s name would appear on the back of every player’s helmet for the entire season. “All that she’s meant across the world, this country, and certainly the Queen of East Tennessee,” Heupel said. “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.”

During the game against the Furman Paladins, the 102,000 spectators joined in a unified rendition of Parton’s 1974 hit “I Will Always Love You,” filling the stadium with a collective voice that moved many to tears. The performance underscored the deep personal connection fans feel toward the artist, whose music has long been woven into the cultural fabric of the region.

In recent seasons, the Volunteers have also marked the fourth quarter with Morgan Wallen’s song “The Way I Talk,” a tradition that reflects the state’s affinity for contemporary country sounds. Following Parton’s passing, officials announced plans to rename Nashville’s airport in her honor during a special “Dolly Parton Days” celebration, further cementing her legacy within Tennessee’s public institutions.