Dolly Parton Renames Hospital With Generous Donation

Country music icon Dolly Parton has made a substantial, undisclosed donation to East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. This generous commitment has led the hospital to rename its facility in her honor, officially becoming the Dolly Parton Children's Hospital.

Matt Schaefer, the hospital's CEO, described Parton's contribution as a "generational and transformational commitment" that will significantly support the hospital's mission for years to come. The funds will be used to recruit more clinicians, enhance fundraising efforts, and invest in critical areas such as people, programs, and technology for the 89-year-old non-profit pediatric hospital.

Parton, who grew up in East Tennessee, shared in a video statement on February 26, 2026, that she has always strived to help others, especially children and families in need. She emphasized her belief that "every child deserves a fair chance to grow up healthy, hopeful and surrounded with love." Parton also encouraged public support for the hospital's work, stating that collective efforts can achieve extraordinary outcomes for children.