Country music legend and East Tennessee native Dolly Parton surprised the fans at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, November 18, 2023, when she joined former quarterback Peyton Manning on the field and sang the iconic song ‘Rocky Top’ after the first quarter of the Tennessee-Georgia game.
Dolly Parton’s partnership with Tennessee athletics
Parton, who released a rock album titled ‘Rockstar’ on Friday, November 17, 2023, has a partnership with Tennessee athletics that includes a co-branded merchandise line and an exclusive Vols edition of her album that features a live version of ‘Rocky Top’.
The song, which is the official state song of Tennessee and the unofficial fight song of the University of Tennessee, has a special meaning for Parton, who grew up in Sevier County and has performed it many times in her concerts.
“My East Tennessee roots run deep, and I am so proud to be partnering with the Vols on a line of merchandise,” Parton said in a press release in September. “I’ve performed ‘Rocky Top’ so many times live in my concerts through the years, and I know how much that song means to Vols fans.”
The UT edition of ‘Rockstar’ is a two-CD limited edition set with Parton in the middle of the cover with a checkerboard end zone along with a Vols logo. One CD is orange and one is white. The album has 31 songs and is available for preorder through Parton’s website.
Dolly Parton’s appearance at Neyland Stadium
Parton announced her appearance at Neyland Stadium on Monday, November 13, 2023, on her Instagram account, where she posted a video of herself wearing an orange outfit and saying, “Well, hello, it’s Dolly, and I am so excited to join 101,000 of my friends in the best place for college football, Neyland Stadium. I’ll see you there!”
She also added in the caption, “I can’t wait to cheer on @vol_football this Saturday! See you on Rocky Top #GBO”
On Saturday, November 18, 2023, Parton made good on her promise and showed up at the stadium, where she was greeted by Manning, who is a longtime friend and fan of hers. The two of them walked onto the field and waved to the crowd, who cheered loudly for them.
Then, Parton took the microphone and sang ‘Rocky Top’ with the band and the fans, who joined in enthusiastically. The performance was broadcast on the stadium’s video board and on CBS, which aired the game nationally.
Dolly Parton’s impact on the game and the fans
Parton’s presence and performance at Neyland Stadium was a highlight of the game, which saw the Vols take on the No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs. The Vols, who were underdogs in the matchup, played with passion and energy and kept the game close until the fourth quarter when Georgia pulled away and won 34-17.
Despite the loss, the Vols and their fans appreciated Parton’s support and spirit, and thanked her on social media for being there and singing ‘Rocky Top’.
“Dolly Parton is a national treasure and a Tennessee icon. Thank you for being at Neyland Stadium today and singing ‘Rocky Top’. You are the best!” one fan tweeted.
“Dolly Parton singing ‘Rocky Top’ at Neyland Stadium is the most Tennessee thing ever and I love it. She is a legend and a role model for all of us. Go Vols!” another fan wrote.
“Dolly Parton is the only person who can make me smile after a loss. She is amazing and I’m so glad she came to cheer on the Vols. Rocky Top forever!” a third fan commented.
Parton, who is known for her generosity and philanthropy, also donated to the Tennessee football program as part of her partnership with the athletics department. The amount of the donation was not disclosed, but it was reported that it would be used to support the student-athletes and the staff.
