A Musical Tribute on the Gridiron
Middle Tennessee State University’s Blue Raiders will sport a commemorative jersey patch honoring Dolly Parton when they open their season at home against Murray State on September 5.
The patch was unveiled at the Center for Popular Music, where Athletics Director Chris Massaro and Beverly Keel presented the design, underscoring the university’s connection to the late singer‑songwriter’s cultural footprint.
Parton, who passed away in Nashville after a battle with cancer, is remembered not only for her Grammy‑winning catalog but also for her humanitarian work; the tribute aligns with her iconic role in the 1980 film ‘9 to 5’, a nod to her enduring pop‑culture imprint.
The first jersey to bear the patch will be donated to the Center for Popular Music, a repository that houses one of the world’s largest archives of American popular music, ensuring the memorabilia remains accessible to researchers and fans.
University officials say the gesture reflects a broader effort to celebrate artists who have shaped regional identity, linking the gridiron with the state’s rich musical heritage.