East Tennessee Children's Hospital Renamed for Dolly Parton

In Knoxville, Tennessee, the East Tennessee Children's Hospital announced Thursday that it will now operate as the Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, honoring country music icon Dolly Parton's longstanding commitment to pediatric care in her home state.

The renaming reflects a new partnership between Parton and the facility, which has served children in eastern Tennessee since opening in 1937. Parton, who grew up in the nearby town of Pittman Center, shared the news in a video message, emphasizing her dedication to children's health. "Ever since I've been in a position to do my part to help others, I have tried to do just that, especially when children and families need it most," she said. "I've always believed that every child deserves a fair chance to grow up healthy, hopeful and surrounded with love."

The hospital, an independent nonprofit with 152 beds, is one of four state-certified comprehensive regional pediatric centers in Tennessee. It provides specialized care for seriously ill infants, children and teens across more than 20 locations in the region, treating an average of 435,000 patients annually. Staffed by over 400 physicians and nearly 2,200 employees, the...