There is no doubt Dolly Parton was one of the most beloved stars of all time. The love her community had for her is evident in the flowers and mementos fans have left at statues and murals of her all across the state.
Following her death, which was announced by her family on Aug. 25, people all over the world began grieving for the singer who was a friend to everyone.
Parton's death hit everyone hard, but especially those near her hometown. A Parton statue outside the courthouse in Sevierville has seen fans flock to it to grieve and say goodbye to the East Tennessee native, especially by leaving thousands of flowers.
But what happens to all those bouquets that are left in honor of the "Love is Like a Butterfly" singer?
Enter Random Acts of Flowers.
The Knoxville non-profit is collecting bouquets left at the statue outside the courthouse in Sevierville.
The group's mission is to improve the mental and emotional health of patients in healthcare facilities. It uses recycled flowers it gathers through donations and collections to deliver flowers to people in need.
Founded in 2007, Random Acts of Flowers has donated hundreds of thousands of bouquets, according to its website.
Dolly Parton, Dollywood have given back for years with Random Acts of Flowers
This isn't the first time the local organization has partnered with Parton. In the past, it has worked directly with the beloved country star's amusement park, Dollywood, which has donated flowers from its parade floats for the group to reuse.
Executive Director of Random Acts of Flowers Ally Slavick said the Dollywood partnership began about four or five years ago. Most recently, when the park's newest ride, Nightflight Expedition, opened, Dollywood donated flowers from Parton's float to the organization.
Parton was scheduled to be at the ride's opening but canceled her appearance after the star's doctors recommended that she do so because of health concerns.
Slavick said even though Parton couldn't make it, the flowers that were prepped for her carriage were still put to good use. Random Acts of Flowers was able to repurpose floral arrangements that would have been used on the float and donate bouquets to a hospital in Loudon County.
"We've been really gracious they've been able to share their flowers with us," Slavick said.
With the flowers left at the Parton statue, Slavick said Random Acts of Flowers was contacted by the Sevier County government, which reached out after an "overwhelming number of donations" were left in downtown Sevierville.
"They gave us a call to pick up the enormous amount of flowers," Slavick said.
As of Friday, Aug. 28, Slavick said the organization had received 240 arrangements but expected to have over 600 next week. Repurposing and getting flowers out to healthcare facilities will depend on how many volunteers there are, according to Slavick, but she said Random Acts of Flowers has planned double shifts to accommodate the large amount of donations.
"It's a really wonderful opportunity to be able to share her light," Slavick said.
Afton Pratt covers trending news for The Knoxville News Sentinel and Tennessee. She can be reached at ampratt@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Flowers left at Dolly Parton statue will help hospital patients
