Dolly Parton’s Donation Set To Impact Generations of Young Patients at the Children’s Hospital Bearing Her Name

While Dolly Parton will always be known for hits like “9 to 5” and her famed theme park, Dollywood, the country icon went far beyond the stage. Born in Tennessee, Dolly never strayed too far from home as she built an entire brand around country music and Nashville. Although she gained a net worth of over $450 million, the hitmaker never forgot her humble beginnings. Always finding ways to give back, Dolly recently donated such a massive amount to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the facility called it “generational and transformational.”  

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Not that long ago, the children’s hospital announced that it would change its name to Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital. Adding yet another milestone to her legacy, the singer didn’t make the occasion about her. Instead, she quietly donated an amount that President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Schaefer was hesitant to disclose. 

Speaking with the Chief Healthcare Executive, Schaefer admitted the facility was excited for their collaboration with Dolly. And when it came to the donation, he refused to reveal the amount. “What I can tell you is that she has made a generational and transformational commitment to Children’s and its mission, and that commitment is something that goes beyond our wildest expectations, that is beyond generous, and will be a lifeline for this mission for now and for years to come.”

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Dolly Parton Is Ready To Support Children Across “East Tennessee And Beyond”

Already known for her generosity, hearing words like “generational” put Dolly in an entirely different category. And while fans might never know the true amount, the real prize was knowing the singer’s commitment to helping children facing serious illnesses.

Helping provide care, support, and hope to the children and their families, Schaefer added, “I think anytime you have someone of her stature, someone of her standing, certainly in this region, across the United States, across the world, honestly, and to have the halo effect of everything she stood for in her life, including her love for children in particular, it just is fantastic for the future of our mission.”

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As for Dolly, she released her own video when first announcing the name change, declaring, “Together, we’re committed to strengthening our relationship where world class care and a caring heart go hand in hand for children across East Tennessee and beyond. And I hope that you’ll join me in supporting this work.”

Once again – while her songs may have defined her career, Parton showed that her greatest role isn’t just as an entertainer, but as a force for good in the lives of countless families.

(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)