Dolly Parton was an icon, a country music legend and a Volunteer for Life.
Her message for University of Tennessee at Knoxville students in 2009 to "dream more" and count their blessings continues to resonate after the beloved country music superstar and Tennessee hero died Aug. 25 at age 80.
The university tapped Parton to deliver a commencement speech for the College of Arts and Sciences in 2009, the same year she became "Doctor Dolly" upon receiving an honorary degree from UT recognizing her remarkable songwriting career and philanthropic work through the Imagination Library.
You can watch a clip for her speech above.
The Sevier County native didn't attend college and instead left home one day after graduating from Sevier County High School in 1964
to begin her music career in Nashville.
UT has incorporated Parton's legacy into academics, including a 2017 honors course focused on her life and work, a documentary about the Imagination Library and discussions of her influence in courses about music and Appalachia.
Parton returned to campus in 2023 and was escorted onto the Neyland Stadium field by fellow Tennessee legend Peyton Manning to deliver her rendition of "Rocky Top" to Vols fans.
In addition to the honors from UT, Parton received an honorary degree from Carson-Newman University in 1990.
Keenan Thomas is the higher education reporter for Knox News. Email: keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dolly Parton urged Tennessee grads to 'dream more.' Hear her message
