Dolly Parton's Emotional Announcement: East Tennessee Children's Hospital to Be Renamed in Her Honor

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Country music icon Dolly Parton has announced that the East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville will be renamed the Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, reflecting her longstanding commitment to supporting children's health and well-being in her local community. Parton shared the news in an emotional video on Instagram, sparking an outpouring of appreciation from fans who praised her generosity and compassion.

Why it matters

Dolly Parton's decision to lend her name and support to the children's hospital in her home region of East Tennessee underscores her reputation as a philanthropist dedicated to improving the lives of young people. The renaming of the hospital represents a significant milestone in Parton's decades-long efforts to give back to her local community and inspire others to do the same.

The details

In the Instagram video, Parton expressed her pride and excitement about the hospital's name change, which she said represents "a new chapter" for the institution. The hospital's leadership noted that the transformation is "more than a name change; it's a promise" to provide world-class, compassionate care to patients and families across the region.

• On February 26, 2026, Dolly Parton announced the East Tennessee Children's Hospital would be renamed in her honor.
• The Dolly Parton Children's Hospital officially unveiled its new name on March 5, 2026.

What’s next

The Dolly Parton Children's Hospital is expected to officially unveil its new name and branding on March 5, 2026, with a celebration honoring Dolly Parton's contributions to the institution.