Tennessee University revealed that Dolly Parton’s beloved song “My Tennessee Mountain Home” will become the new fourth‑quarter anthem for its football games, a decision made in honor of the late country music legend who passed away on August 25, 2024.
A Musical Tribute on the Field
The university’s choice reflects Parton’s deep roots in the Volunteer State, where she was born and raised, and the song’s lyrics celebrate the rolling hills, rural farms and small‑town life that defined her childhood. By replacing Morgan Wallen’s “The Way I Talk,” the school shifts from a contemporary country hit to a timeless tribute that resonates with generations of Tennesseans.
Athletics director Danny White announced the change on September 3 via the social platform X, stating that the new anthem “captures the spirit of Tennessee” and aligns with the university’s tradition of honoring its cultural icons. The first public playing occurred on September 5 during the Volunteers’ 49‑3 victory over Furman, marking the song’s debut on the field.
Campus tributes multiplied in the days leading up to the game: a butterfly‑shaped helmet sticker bearing Parton’s image was added to the team’s gear, the Pride of the Southland Band performed her catalog during halftime, and a Dolly Karaoke Cam streamed fans singing along in the first quarter. The spirit squad also delivered a lively rendition of “Jolene,” while the stadium’s entertainment lineup highlighted the late star’s enduring influence.
Previously, the fourth‑quarter soundtrack had featured Morgan Wallen’s “The Way I Talk” after Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” served as the anthem in earlier seasons, making Parton’s selection a deliberate nod to the state’s musical heritage rather than current chart trends.
Beyond the stadium, the university has continued to celebrate Parton through charitable events that support her Imagination Library, a nonprofit that provides free books to children. In 2023, she performed “Rocky Top” at a halftime show at Neyland Stadium, guided by former quarterback Peyton Manning, and later held concerts at Thompson‑Boling Arena to benefit the same cause.
The announcement has sparked enthusiastic response from fans and alumni, who view the new anthem as a fitting homage that blends athletic tradition with the cultural legacy of a Tennessee native. As the Volunteers take the field each week, the sound of “My Tennessee Mountain Home” will serve as a reminder of the state’s musical roots and the lasting impact of a star who remains beloved long after her passing.