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Dolly Parton and the state of Tennessee go hand in hand. While the country star lived and worked near Nashville, the state's flagship university in Knoxville is honoring her in its season opener in more ways than one.
As the Volunteers started the season against Furman, their fans paid tribute to Parton with a massive singalong as the singer's hits played for a crowd of more than 100,000.
Tennessee also honored Parton as part of its uniform, something the Volunteers plan to do for the entire season.
Here's a look at the singalong of all singalongs in Knoxville.
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Tennessee Dolly Parton tributes
More than 102,000 Tennessee fans sang Parton's "I Will Always Love You" during the Volunteers' game against Furman, a 56-9 win.
“I Will Always Love You” ringing loud during the break with 102 thousand singing their hearts out #Vols pic.twitter.com/Z5IE8W6hjn
— Sam Granville (@samgranvilletv) September 5, 2026The Vols then changed up their fourth-quarter song and played Parton's "My Tennessee Mountain Home" to pay tribute to the singer, who died on Aug. 25.
Tennessee previously announced it would honor Parton with a special helmet sticker throughout the season:
For Dolly. 🦋
A commemorative helmet sticker will be worn to honor Dolly Parton for every game this season. pic.twitter.com/A1mBw9ZqxZ
Here's more to know about Parton's connection to Tennessee.
MORE: Everything to know about Tennessee's Dolly Parton helmet sticker
What was Dolly Parton's connection to Tennessee?
Parton didn't attend the University of Tennessee or go to college at all, but she was born and raised in the state. With Tennessee being the state's flagship university, the school developed a bond with the singer.
Parton received an honorary doctorate from Tennessee in 2009, and she memorably sang "Rocky Top" at Neyland Stadium after being escorted onto the field by Peyton Manning during a game against Georgia in 2023.
Peyton Manning walks Dolly Parton out for her performance at Neyland Stadium
Maybe the only time we can say Peyton is the second most important on the field. pic.twitter.com/Cb5jaBOXkA
How did Dolly Parton die?
Parton died of cancer in Nashville on Aug. 25. Parton had been open about battling health issues in the years leading up to her death, but she never disclosed that she was dealing with cancer.
The singer, who was 80, worked "up until the day she died," her manager told Billboard.
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