Dolly Parton Calls on Fans to Help Support Her Namesake Children’s Hospital
Dolly Parton is now the namesake of the former East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Parton, who grew up in the state, has given a great deal back to her community. In her honor, the hospital has teamed up with her to help bring care to children and support their families. She told fans that they can help, too.
A children’s hospital renamed themselves after Dolly Parton
In a recent video on her Instagram, Parton spoke about her involvement with the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
“I’ve always believed that every child deserves a fair chance to grow up healthy, hopeful, and surrounded with love. That belief is what brought me together with the incredible folks at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.”
She announced that the hospital was being renamed in her honor.
“For nearly 90 years, their teams have provided compassionate and talented care,” she said. “They see children not just as patients, but as precious lives. Each with a story and a future. I am so excited to share, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is becoming … guess what? Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. Yay!”
The hospital’s CEO said the name change will do a great deal to benefit the hospital.
“This is more than a name change,” Matt Schaefer, president and CEO of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, told People. “With Dolly’s support, we are strengthening our mission to deliver world-class pediatric care to families, ensuring every child who walks through our doors receives the treatment they deserve.”
Dolly Parton called on fans to support the hospital
Parton hopes to use her name and influence to support the hospital in their mission. She told fans that they can help, too.
“Together, we’re committed to strengthening our relationship where world-class care and a caring heart go hand in hand for children across East Tennessee and beyond,” she said. “And I hope that you’ll join me in supporting this work. I can’t do it all myself! I’m going to need you. So when we come together for our children, there’s no limit to what we can do. To learn more or to get involved, visit DollyChildrens.org.”
She has a history of philanthropy
Parton has long involved herself in charitable causes. Her Dollywood Foundation, which she created in 1988, works to keep kids in her home county in school. She also provides millions of children with free books through her Imagination Library.
Parton also donated $1 million to COVID-19 vaccine research. She has also donated to families affected by natural disasters in Tennessee. Parton said that her upbringing shaped her into a philanthropic person.
“I grew up in a very open-hearted, faith-based family,” she told Vogue. “You’re taught to love and be accepting, and to give more than you receive. Both sides of my family are funny, tender-hearted, good people. Whether you believe in God or not, you need to be grounded; you need to believe in something greater than yourself. We grew up thinking that other people are just as important as we are.”
