Like the rest of Tennessee, and millions around the world, the Rural Health Association of Tennessee community is mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, who passed away August 25, 2026.

While our hearts are broken, we are also filled with gratitude. Few people have left a mark on Tennessee, rural America, and the world the way Dolly did. She was more than a signer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She was a champion for children, model of rural values, a source of joy, and a reminder that kindness and authenticity never go out of style.

We have made a $100 donation to the Dollywood Foundation and we invite you to join us in remembering Dolly by doing the same.

~ Rural Health Association of Tennessee.

Rural Health Association Staff’s Favorite Dolly Songs

• “I will always love you” ~ Becky, Rachel, and Madeline
• “Islands in the Stream” ~ Christin
• “Jolene” ~ Jaimie
• “Silver and Gold” ~ Jacy
• “9 to 5” ~ Litzeyla and Mackea
• “Coat of Many Colors” ~ Robin, Beth, and Kristie

 Reflections from RHA Staff

• Rachel: "Our kids absolutely loved getting books in the mail from the Imagination Library when they were little. It was such a fun and positive memory in their childhood. They are teenagers now, but still keep their favorite books from the program on their bookshelves."

• Wendy: "I loved her spirit! Her drive to care for others and her generosity is needed in this world."

• Litzeyla: "Dolly was such a huge inspiration to a lot of people. My favorite song from her is "9-5" Like her, that song is just one of those songs that reminds you to keep going and dream big!"

• Becky: "We love Dolly, she will be greatly missed."

• Tiffany: "Dolly was one of those rare individuals about whom you never heard anyone say anything negative. Likewise, she never spoke negatively about another living soul. She truly embodied what it means to be a good human being, and I believe that is why she was so deeply admired by so many people, not only in Tennessee but around the world.

  She celebrated people for who they were, flaws and all, and loved everyone as her faith taught her to do. She shared the gift of education, from which my family and countless others have benefited. And she brought us immeasurable joy through her music. She will be deeply missed."

• Robin: "How can I mention just one thing I remember about Dolly...how her character stood up for working women trying to make an honest living in 9 to 5, how she made me laugh in Steel Magnolias or how she told the story behind "Coat of Many Colors" both through song and tv. I will always hold dear how my sons eyes would light up each month when his book from Imagination Library arrived. Dolly was full of love and respect and although grounded in her beliefs, she had a true spirit that embraced everyone. ~RIP Dear Dolly"

• Madeline: "I've always loved listening to Dolly's songs and watching the movies she played in. My favorite movie was Steel Magnolias she played Truvy Jones. My favorite songs where "9 to 5" and "I Will Always Love You." I great woman who used her God given gifts to do some amazing things. She was a beautiful. Gone but never forgotten."

• Kristie: "I grew up in Nashville seeing her and Porter Wagner back in the early days. Dolly had such a beautiful spirit who followed her calling to help others, she lifted her own community serving where she was planted. As a result of her willingness to serve others, the windows of blessings opened for her to be a shining example and serve on an international grand scale to us and our children.  

  I loved how she made us all laugh but also kept us grounded on the important things!  Dolly was a great example that we can all follow!  JUST WOW. WHAT A LEGACY!  One person really can make a difference!! RIP Sweet Dolly."

• Madison: "Dolly was a huge part of all my favorite memories growing up. Me and my mom used to dance in the kitchen to her music any chance that we could get. I also recently signed up for the Imagination Library books and although my daughter doesn't really know about them now, my husband and I always look forward to the books we receive! "

• Beth: "I loved her humor and that she laughed at herself.  She was a genuine salt of the earth wonderful lady.  My son was five when she started the Imagination Library, he loved getting the books.  I collected them and passed them to my niece.  My favorite song is Coat of Many Colors because of the history and story of her childhood, it is very relatable for me.  Also that she made a picture book of the song.  Although she will truly be missed by everyone, she left such a legacy that she will remain with us in our hearts forever."

• Mackea: "Dolly was a great person. She helped so many people. She will be missed!"

• Jaimie: "Dolly has been a blessing to so many people, and her loss will be felt across Tennessee. She could have easily chosen a path that led to immense personal wealth, but instead she dedicated so much of her success to helping others. Through her generosity and philanthropy, she created a legacy that few could ever hope to match.

   No matter how old I am, I will always say, “When I grow up, I want to be like Dolly.” I can only hope that the impact I make in my own life will be even a fraction of the difference she made in the lives of others.

  I'm a HUGE Gilmore Girls fan and I will never forget when Lorelai sang "I will always love you" on karaoke night in the tune of Dolly. It makes me tear up every time I watch it." 

• Jacy: "My love of Dolly began in 1989, when I was eight years old. That summer, before third grade, I moved to Kentucky to live with my aunt and uncle. Up until then, the only music I knew were church hymns and children’s sing-a-long songs. Then one morning I heard "Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That" on the radio and was instantly a Dolly Parton fan.

  I wrote my grandfather a letter telling him about my new favorite singer. In response, he mailed me 4-5 Dolly albums (okay, cassette tapes). “White Limozeen” and “Eagle When She Flies” quickly became my favorites and the songs became part of the soundtrack of my childhood.

  Of course, music is only a small part of Dolly’s legacy.

  In a world that often tells people to fit in, Dolly gave us permission to stand out. She embraced color, creativity, individuality, and joy. She famously joked about being a “dumb blonde” and about how it “takes a lot of money to look this cheap,” while quietly building a one of the most successful entertainment empires and philanthropy programs. She never seemed bothered by expectations of how a woman should dress, speak, or behave. Instead, she showed the world that you can be unapologetically yourself and still earn the love and respect of millions.

  Most importantly, she never forgot where she came from and always found ways to lift others up. She was consistent in her love for people, expressed in her words and deeds, which to me is what made her truly extraordinary."