The East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has been officially renamed the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, marking a significant moment in the intersection of music and pediatric health care. Announced on October 26, 2023, the rebranding is part of Parton’s ongoing commitment to improving children’s health in her home state of Tennessee.
In a video statement, Dolly Parton expressed her dedication to supporting children and families in need. “Ever since I’ve been in a position to do my part, to help others, I have tried to do just that,” she said. Parton emphasized her belief that every child deserves a chance to grow up healthy and loved.
The impact of Parton’s philanthropy is already visible across Tennessee. Her Imagination Library initiative distributes 3 million free books monthly to children whose parents request them. Notably, she also contributed $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, funding research that played a role in developing Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. Through her charitable foundation, she provides numerous college scholarships and disaster relief efforts.
While the hospital has not disclosed the financial contribution associated with the naming, Matt Schaefer, president and CEO of the hospital, indicated that Parton’s support will help ensure that “every child who walks through our doors receives the treatment they deserve.”
In a statement, Adam Cook, the hospital’s chief development and public affairs officer, reaffirmed their mission of providing high-quality care. “This is a generational collaboration that will transform pediatric care in this region,” Cook said. He highlighted the importance of continuing to support the community amid rising concerns about rural hospital closures, which have left many without adequate health care options.
Since its establishment in 1937, the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has adhered to an “open-door” policy, ensuring that no child is denied care based on race, religion, or ability to pay. Its main campus is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it operates over 20 locations throughout the eastern part of the state.
Parton expressed her honor in supporting the dedicated team of doctors and nurses at the hospital, inviting the public to contribute to the cause. “I can’t do it all myself,” she noted in her video announcement, encouraging community involvement in pediatric health care.
The renaming of the hospital not only highlights Parton’s philanthropic endeavors but also underscores a broader commitment to enhancing pediatric health services in a region facing significant challenges. As the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital embarks on this new chapter, its mission to support the health and well-being of children remains steadfast and vital.
