Dolly Parton Renames Tennessee Children's Hospital After Herself

The legendary country singer is lending her name and support to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Dolly Parton has announced that the East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville will be renamed the Dolly Parton Children's Hospital. Parton, 80, shared the news in an Instagram video, expressing her belief that every child deserves a fair chance to grow up healthy and surrounded by love. The hospital has delivered transformative and compassionate pediatric care for nearly 90 years, and Parton's support will strengthen their mission to provide world-class care to families.

Why it matters

Dolly Parton is a beloved figure in Tennessee and beyond, known for her philanthropic efforts and dedication to helping children. By lending her name and support to the children's hospital, Parton is bringing increased visibility and resources to the institution, which will allow it to continue its mission of providing exceptional pediatric care to the community.

The details

In her video announcement, Parton expressed her excitement about the name change and her commitment to supporting the hospital's work. She called on the community to join her in this effort, as she cannot do it all herself. The hospital's president and CEO, Matt Schaefer, stated that this is more than just a name change, as Parton's support will strengthen the hospital's mission to deliver world-class pediatric care to families.

  • Dolly Parton announced the name change on February 26, 2026.

The players

Dolly Parton

An iconic country music singer and songwriter who is known for her philanthropic efforts, including her support for children's causes.

East Tennessee Children's Hospital

A hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee that has been providing transformative and compassionate pediatric care for nearly 90 years.

Matt Schaefer

The President and CEO of the Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, who stated that Parton's support will strengthen the hospital's mission to deliver world-class pediatric care.

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What they’re saying

“I've always believed that every child deserves a fair chance to grow up healthy, hopeful and surrounded with love. That belief is what brought me together with the incredible folks at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.”

— Dolly Parton (Instagram)

“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.”

— Matt Schaefer, President and CEO of Dolly Parton Children's Hospital (Press release)

What’s next

The hospital will officially be renamed the Dolly Parton Children's Hospital in the coming months, and Parton has called on the community to join her in supporting the hospital's work.

The takeaway

Dolly Parton's decision to lend her name and support to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital is a testament to her long-standing commitment to helping children and her desire to ensure that every child has access to world-class medical care. This partnership will bring increased visibility and resources to the hospital, allowing it to continue its mission of providing exceptional pediatric care to the community.