08/25/2026
Today feels like a sad day here in the Smoky Mountains.
The rest of the world knew Dolly Parton as an icon, but here in Sevier County, she was ours. She never forgot where she came from, and she spent a lifetime making sure the place she called home was better because she was here.
Her impact on our community is almost impossible to put into words. She brought opportunity and jobs to generations of local families. She put Sevier County on a world stage. She gave books to our children, helped our neighbors when disaster struck, and showed all of us just how far a little girl from the mountains could go without ever forgetting those mountains.
We are fortunate to live and work just a few minutes down the road from Dollywood, something that has become such a familiar part of our home that it can be easy to forget what an extraordinary legacy it represents.
Dolly gave so much to East Tennessee, but maybe the greatest thing she gave us was the way she represented us. With kindness, generosity, humor, faith, and an unmistakable love for home.
There will never be another Dolly. 🦋
Thank you for never forgetting our community. We certainly won't forget you. ❤️
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Parton family, her Dollywood family, and everyone in our community who is feeling this loss today.
Rest in peace Dolly. We will always love you!
