Tennessee football team to wear helmet stickers honoring Dolly Parton
5 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 6:06 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel announced that his team will wear helmet stickers to honor Dolly Parton, who died on August 25 at the age of 80. The commemorative patches will debut during the Vols' 2026 season opener against Furman at Neyland Stadium this Saturday. Heupel described Parton, an East Tennessee native, as an influential figure who took great pride in her regional roots. The program intends for the tribute to recognize her accomplishments and her broader impact on the country and the state. Kickoff for the game against Furman is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT. Coverage of the event will be provided on SEC Network+.
- •Dolly Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80.
- •Tennessee will wear helmet stickers in her memory starting this Saturday.
- •The Vols play Furman at Neyland Stadium at 3:30 p.m. EDT.
- •Coach Josh Heupel cited Parton's cultural impact and local roots as reasons for the honor.
- 6:58 PMESPN NCAAF — Dolly decal: Vols to honor late Parton on helmet
- 5:42 PMYahoo Sports — Tennessee football plans Dolly Parton tribute for 2026 season
- 5:08 PMCBS Sports — LOOK: Tennessee football to honor Dolly Parton with helmet sticker throughout 2026 season
- 5:03 PMYahoo Sports — Tennessee football finds special way to honor Dolly Parton this season
- 4:48 PMYahoo Sports — Josh Heupel remembers Dolly Parton, Vols will wear helmet stickers
"Tennessee will honor the late Dolly Parton with a helmet sticker this season. The 80-year-old country singer and philanthropist was a native of Tennessee and had ties to the university.
"The country music icon and philanthropist, who died at age 80, maintained deep connections to the university and performed Rocky Top at Neyland Stadium in 2023
"The country music legend is receiving a proper remembrance from her favorite team.
Sources
External links- ESPN NCAAFAug 31, 2026, 6:58 PMDolly decal: Vols to honor late Parton on helmet
Tennessee will honor the late Dolly Parton with a helmet sticker this season. The 80-year-old country singer and philanthropist was a native of Tennessee and had ties to the university.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 5:42 PMTennessee football plans Dolly Parton tribute for 2026 season
The country music legend is receiving a proper remembrance from her favorite team.
- CBS SportsAug 31, 2026, 5:08 PMLOOK: Tennessee football to honor Dolly Parton with helmet sticker throughout 2026 season
The country music icon and philanthropist, who died at age 80, maintained deep connections to the university and performed Rocky Top at Neyland Stadium in 2023
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 5:03 PMTennessee football finds special way to honor Dolly Parton this season
We're sure Dolly Parton would be really proud to see this from the Vols.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 4:48 PMJosh Heupel remembers Dolly Parton, Vols will wear helmet stickers
Tennessee football will honor Dolly Parton.
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