Dear People of East Tennessee,

It is with great sadness that we enter a time of mourning for the death of Dolly Parton, one of our greatest regional figures.

I celebrate and honor the impact she has had on East Tennessee and the world, whether from her music or her philanthropic endeavors. East Tennessee has benefited over many decades from Mrs. Parton’s generous giving. From the economic impact of Dollywood to the Imagination Library, from the My People fund to the newly renamed Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital here in Knoxville, countless lives have been positively impacted by her life, a living expression of the call to selfless giving which we recognize in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I will continue to hold the Parton and Dean family in my prayers, and I ask that we all hold ourselves more gently in the coming days as we mourn this loss to our region, our state, our nation, and the world.

Peace,

The Rt. Rev. Brian Cole

August 25, 2026

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 505)