East Tennessee State University is hosting a weeklong event from September 21-25 honoring the life of Dolly Parton “For the Love of Dolly: A Celebration of Life & Legacy” or “Dolly Days” is featuring a variety of fun and thoughtful events celebrating the life of a hometown legend.
These events include a panel discussion with representatives from Appalachian Studies and The Birthplace of County Music, an open mic time for students to sing Dolly songs or read from her books and the week will close with a segment in Friday’s ‘Bucs Under the Stars’ drone show, not only celebrating Dolly, but also celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.
Students and community members will also have the opportunity to leave notes for Dolly on a tribute banner throughout the week.
Nathan Farnor, ETSU’s community engagement specialist, told News Channel 11 that they wanted to give students a chance to learn about Dolly’s impact in the region.
“We’re only a couple of hours away from where Dolly grew up, and she’s had a tremendous impact in many different ways here in our home community and here on our own campus,” Farnor said. “We just want to find a way to give students, faculty, staff in the community an opportunity to reflect and to celebrate and to come together and recognize Dolly.”
On September 25, referencing Dolly’s famous song “9-to-5,” is officially being recognized throughout East Tennessee as Dolly Parton Day, and there are several events throughout Downtown Johnson City, Jonesborough and the surrounding areas of East Tennessee honoring Dolly’s legacy, remembering her life and reflecting on her impact on the region as well as the country.
Learn more at etsu.edu/students/sao/organizations/civicengagement/dolly.php
