For decades, Dolly Parton has backed children’s causes. Now her name is going on a children’s hospital in Tennessee after making a “generational” financial commitment to the hospital
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville is now Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, according to Chief Healthcare Executive.
Parton never had children of her own, but she created Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to encourage a lifelong love of reading. In 30 years, the program has gifted more than 200 million books.
Her support has also reached other projects in Tennessee, and now includes the renamed hospital in Knoxville.
Matt Schafer, president and CEO of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, told Chief Healthcare Executive that meeting with Parton and hospital staff to talk about the future left a strong impression.
“It was truly humbling, and to hear her, in her own words, talk about the importance of this to her, to her community, to this organization, and to children, was super affirming,” Schafer said.
Schafer did not disclose financial details of the agreement, but he said Parton’s backing would have a lasting effect on the hospital.
“What I can tell you is that she has made a generational and transformational commitment to Children’s and its mission, and that commitment is something that goes beyond our wildest expectations, that is, beyond generous, and will be a lifeline for this mission for now and for years to come. And we’re excited about and humbled by her willingness to do so,” he said.
Schafer also said Parton’s support is expected to help fundraising efforts and bring wider attention to the hospital’s work.
“Fundraising has and will continue to be a big part of ensuring that mission is exceeded to its fullest,” the CEO explained. “And there’s no time like this opportunity to tell our story in a broader way, to have the halo effect of Dolly Parton and those who like to support what she supports. We’re seeing some of the early fruits of that, and I believe we will continue to see that moving forward.”
