The University of Tennessee Volunteers are preparing to honor one of East Tennessee’s most beloved icons in a special way during Saturday’s season opener at Neyland Stadium.
When Tennessee takes the field against Furman on Saturday, September 5, fans will hear the music of Dolly Parton during a special tribute between the third and fourth quarters.
According to Tennessee Athletics Director Danny White, the Vols will replace Morgan Wallen’s “The Way I Talk,” which has been played during that part of the game since 2024, with a song by Parton.
The tribute comes as Tennessee and fans across the state continue to remember Parton, whose influence on East Tennessee extended far beyond her legendary music career.
A New Musical Tribute at Neyland Stadium
For the past two seasons, Morgan Wallen’s “The Way I Talk” has been part of the game-day atmosphere at Neyland Stadium, traditionally played between the third and fourth quarters.
That tradition will change Saturday.
Tennessee officials announced that a Dolly Parton song will instead be played during the same portion of the game as the Volunteers host Furman in their 2026 season opener.
The specific Dolly Parton song has not yet been publicly identified.
Danny White teased the tribute on social media while encouraging fans to remain in their seats for the end of the Pride of the Southland Band’s halftime performance and the moments leading into the fourth quarter.
The decision gives Tennessee fans another opportunity to celebrate Parton and her extraordinary connection to the state.
Dolly Parton’s Connection to Tennessee
Parton has long been considered an icon of East Tennessee.
Born and raised in the region, she built a career that turned her into one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world while continuing to maintain a strong connection to her home state.
Her impact has also extended well beyond music.
Through her philanthropy, including the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, she became known for supporting children, families, and communities.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel previously spoke about Parton’s importance to the state and announced that the Vols would wear commemorative Dolly Parton stickers on the back of their helmets throughout the 2026 season.
The helmet tribute is another way Tennessee is recognizing her legacy.
More Tributes Are Planned
The Dolly Parton song will not be the only tribute during Saturday’s game.
White indicated that Tennessee has additional tributes planned throughout the contest. He specifically encouraged fans to stay in their seats for the conclusion of the Pride of the Southland Band’s halftime show and the moments immediately before the fourth quarter begins.
That means fans inside Neyland Stadium can expect the atmosphere to be different from a typical Tennessee home opener.
The Volunteers will also be wearing the commemorative helmet stickers honoring Parton during the season.
Tennessee Opens the 2026 Season Against Furman
Saturday’s game will mark the beginning of Tennessee’s 2026 football season.
The No. 20 Volunteers are scheduled to host Furman at Neyland Stadium with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET.
While the game will officially begin a new football season, the day will also provide Tennessee fans with an opportunity to celebrate Parton and reflect on her lasting connection to the state.
The Vols and Furman have met previously, including games in 1941 and 1942, with Tennessee winning both contests.
A Meaningful Moment for Vols Fans
For Tennessee fans, the tribute carries special significance.
Parton’s music has been part of the cultural fabric of Tennessee for decades, and her connection to East Tennessee makes the tribute at Neyland Stadium particularly fitting.
Although Tennessee has not announced which Parton song will be played, the choice will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans.
Whether it becomes a one-time tribute for Saturday’s season opener or eventually turns into a new Neyland Stadium tradition remains unclear.
For now, one thing is certain: when the third quarter ends and the fourth quarter approaches Saturday afternoon, Tennessee fans will have a special reason to stay in their seats.
The sound of Dolly Parton will fill Neyland Stadium as the Volunteers honor a woman whose music, generosity, and connection to East Tennessee left an enduring mark on the state.
And for many Vols fans, hearing one of Parton’s songs echo through Neyland Stadium could become one of the most memorable moments of the 2026 season.