Tennessee Football Honors Dolly Parton With New Fourth-Quarter Song at Neyland Stadium
Tennessee football has introduced a new fourth-quarter tradition at Neyland Stadium, honoring East Tennessee legend Dolly Parton with her song “My Tennessee Mountain Home.”
The Volunteers played Parton’s 1973 song during their season-opening game against Furman on September 5, replacing Morgan Wallen’s “The Way I Talk” as the fourth-quarter song. The tribute came shortly after Parton died at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
The musical tribute was one of several ways Tennessee honored the legendary singer during its home opener at Neyland Stadium.
Dolly Parton’s “My Tennessee Mountain Home” Becomes Tennessee’s New Fourth-Quarter Song
During the Volunteers’ game against Furman, “My Tennessee Mountain Home” played over the Neyland Stadium speakers as Tennessee prepared to enter the fourth quarter.
The song originally appeared on Parton’s 1973 album My Tennessee Mountain Home and reflects her deep connection to the mountains of East Tennessee, where she grew up.
The song replaced Morgan Wallen’s “The Way I Talk,” which had served as Tennessee’s fourth-quarter anthem since the 2024 season. Before Wallen’s song, the stadium had traditionally played Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.”
The change was part of Tennessee’s tribute to Parton, who was born in Sevier County and remained closely connected to East Tennessee throughout her life.
Tennessee Dominates Furman in Dolly Parton Tribute Game
The musical tribute came during a successful season opener for the Volunteers.
Tennessee defeated Furman 56-9 at Neyland Stadium, giving the Vols a dominant start to the 2026 college football season. Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.
For thousands of fans inside Neyland Stadium, the fourth-quarter performance of Parton’s song became one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Tennessee Football Honors Dolly Parton Throughout the Season
The fourth-quarter song was only one part of Tennessee’s larger tribute to Parton. The university planned multiple ways to honor the East Tennessee icon throughout the 2026 football season.
Dolly Parton Butterfly Helmet Decals
Tennessee football players are wearing special butterfly decals on their helmets throughout the season.
The butterfly has long been associated with Parton and her identity. The commemorative decal features her name inside the butterfly design and serves as a season-long tribute to her legacy.
Pre-Game Video Featuring “My Tennessee Mountain Home”
Before the Furman game, Tennessee released a special video featuring images connected to East Tennessee and Neyland Stadium, accompanied by Parton’s “My Tennessee Mountain Home.”
The video helped set the tone for a day dedicated to remembering Parton and her connection to the region.
More Dolly Parton Tributes Inside Neyland Stadium
The tribute continued throughout the game. Tennessee played tribute videos featuring Parton, including a moment when her classic song “I Will Always Love You” was played for the crowd.
More than 102,000 fans were in attendance at Neyland Stadium, with the crowd singing along to Parton’s music. The Pride of the Southland Marching Band also honored her during halftime with a formation spelling out “Dolly” and a performance of “9 to 5.”
Why Tennessee Is Honoring Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton had a deep connection to Tennessee and the University of Tennessee. She was born in Sevier County and became one of the most influential figures ever to emerge from East Tennessee.
Parton also maintained a close relationship with the University of Tennessee, receiving an honorary doctorate from the university in 2009 and participating in other university events over the years.
Her influence extended far beyond music. Through her philanthropy, including the Imagination Library, Parton made a lasting impact on children and families across Tennessee and around the world.
“My Tennessee Mountain Home” Is a Fitting Tribute
The choice of “My Tennessee Mountain Home” carries particular meaning because the song is closely tied to Parton’s childhood and her memories of growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains region.
For Tennessee football fans, the song now provides a new connection between the Volunteers, Neyland Stadium and one of the state's most beloved cultural figures.
As Tennessee continues its 2026 football season, Parton’s presence will remain part of the Vols’ game-day experience through the butterfly helmet decals and other tributes.
Dolly Parton’s Legacy Lives On at Neyland Stadium
Dolly Parton’s music has become part of Tennessee’s football tradition following her death at age 80.
From the butterfly decals worn by the players to thousands of fans singing along to her music, the Volunteers’ tribute reflects the lasting impact Parton had on East Tennessee.
And now, when the fourth quarter arrives at Neyland Stadium, “My Tennessee Mountain Home” provides a fitting reminder of the woman whose music and philanthropy made her an enduring symbol of Tennessee.
