Tennessee football officially has a new fourth-quarter song.
Dolly Parton's "My Tennessee Mountain Home" blasted over the new Neyland Stadium speakers Sept. 5, with the Vols leading Furman 49-3. The change is a tribute to Parton. The country music legend died on Aug. 25. She was 80.
Tennessee did not specify whether the song change is permanent.
The song replaces Morgan Wallen's "The Way I Talk," which became the anthem during the 2024 season. Before that, "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks was the longtime fourth-quarter song.
Here are the new lyrics to get accustomed to when Tennessee returns Sept. 19 against Kennesaw State:
Sitting on the front porch on a summer afternoon. In a straight back chair on two legs, leaned against the wall.Watch
the kids a-playing with June bugs on a string.And chase the glowing fireflies when evening shadows fall.
In my Tennessee mountain home.Life is as peaceful as a baby's sigh.In my Tennessee mountain home.Crickets sing in the fields nearby.
Honeysuckle vine clings to the fence along the lane.Their fragrance makes the summer wind so sweet.And on a distant hilltop, an eagle spreads its wings.And a songbird on a fencepost sings a melody.
In my Tennessee mountain home.Life is as peaceful as a baby's sigh.In my Tennessee mountain home.Crickets sing in the field nearby.
Walking home from church on Sunday with the one ya love.Just laughing, talking, making future plans.And when the folks ain't looking, you might steal a kiss or two.Sitting in the porch swing, holding hands.
In my Tennessee mountain home.Life is as peaceful as a baby's sigh.In my Tennessee mountain home.Crickets sing in the fields nearby.
Athletics director Danny White originally hinted at the change in a Sept. 3 post on X. On Sept. 4, Tennessee's football account posted a video with the lyrics to "My Tennessee Mountain Home." Now, the song becomes official.
The tribute is just one of many UT has rolled out for Parton. The Vols' football helmet already honors Parton with her signature butterfly as a helmet sticker. UT's Pride of the Southland Band honored Parton with a halftime performance against Furman, which included hit songs "I Will Always Love You" and "9 to 5."
Stadium entertainment during breaks also featured Parton's songs with a "Dolly Karaoke Cam" in the first quarter and a spirit squad performance at the end of the quarter to "Jolene."
Parton made multiple appearances at UT across her stories country music career. The East Tennessee native most recently sang her own rendition of "Rocky Top" during a halftime show performance at Neyland Stadium in 2023 alongside the UT choir. She was guided to the south end zone stage by former UT quarterback Peyton Manning for the surprise show.
Parton also performed several charitable concerts at Thompson-Boling Arena to benefit Dolly's Imagination Library, her non-profit book giving organization.
Trevor McGee covers the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox SC for Knox News. Email: trevor.mcgee@knoxnews.com; X: @TrevorMcGee12
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dolly Parton's 'My Tennessee Mountain Home' is new fourth-quarter song
