Tennessee football honors Dolly Parton with helmet decals for 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 10:03 AM
Last updated Sep 12, 2026
Tennessee football is honoring the late singer-songwriter Dolly Parton throughout the 2026 season with a commemorative helmet decal. The sticker features the name Dolly above a butterfly, a symbol representing freedom and joy that is associated with her career and the Dollywood theme park. The team debuted the decal during a 56-9 win over Furman at Neyland Stadium and will wear the tribute again during their road game at Georgia Tech on Saturday, September 12. Parton maintained deep ties to the University of Tennessee, including a notable 2023 performance of Rocky Top with Peyton Manning and various charitable appearances to support her Imagination Library book-gifting program. Middle Tennessee also recognized the artist's legacy with a jersey patch during their season opener on September 5. Coaches and program staff cited Parton's significant cultural influence and philanthropic efforts in East Tennessee as the primary reasons for the season-long recognition.
- •Tennessee football wears a helmet decal featuring a butterfly and the name Dolly.
- •The team debuted the tribute during a 56-9 home victory against Furman.
- •The Vols will continue to wear the decal for the remainder of the 2026 season.
- •Middle Tennessee also honored the singer with a jersey patch on September 5.
- •Parton previously performed at Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena for university-related events.
- 10:03 AMYahoo Sports — 'My Tennessee Mountain Home:' Vols to honor Dolly Parton with helmet decal all season
"Tennessee football will honor the late Dolly Parton this season with a helmet decal. Here's what to know, including a look at the sticker.
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