Dolly Parton was everywhere.
Best known as the "Queen of Country," she built a life that extended far beyond the constraints of the music industry. Sure, Parton was a singer and songwriter. She was also involved in movies, shows, charity, business and so on. Despite being everywhere, she appeared to be one of the only people with a seemingly unanimous approval rating.
A larger than life figure, Parton seemed like one that would live forever.
That was until the news of her passing at the age of 80 rocked the globe on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Tributes have poured in from every corner of the world since then, an indication of the impact she left during her eight decades on the planet.
Some have been quick to put her music on repeat. Others have watched old
movies or picked up her baking mix from the store, but what about the football world.
Parton was no stranger to the NFL, famously performing the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving halftime show in 2023. And that sparked an idea – what could the fantasy football community do? How about naming a team after her?
So without further ado, here are some Dolly Parton-inspired fantasy football team names to pay tribute as we continue to mourn the loss of a legend.
Dolly Parton inspired fantasy football team names
Kupp of Ambition
Cooper Kupp might be the player he once was, especially in fantasy, but we'd be remiss if we didn't start this list off with a little Kupp of Ambition.
Working 9 to Jayden Daniels
Sorry, Dolly. If Jayden Daniels doesn't want the world to use his number, then we can't either.
Working J.J. McCarthy to 5
Fine, we'll make an exception, but only because J.J. McCarthy had it first and deserves to be included. If you're feeling really frisky, combine the two into one name. That would require you to draft McCarthy though, something we wouldn't recommend.
I Will Always Love You
Countless people across the globe learned this week that Whitney Houston only covered this song. We had to do it justice and leave the title intact. After all, there are enough players named "Love" to make it mean something in fantasy circles.
Hard Candy Christian
A Christmas classic, but with a Christian McCaffrey or Christian Watson-style twist.
The Bargain Store
Sometimes the song titles don't need any tinkering. If you're in an auction draft, there's a chance that your team ends up on the cheaper side. And there you have it. Voilà.
Islands in the End Zone
Parton and Kenny Rogers had an iconic duet with this song in 1983. The hit deserved a football version and what better place to meet than the end zone?
All takin’ and got Higgins
A lyric from "9 to 5," Tee Higgins gets the honor of a much more positive version of "all takin' and no givin' from the classic song.
Coat of many draft picks
No one player makes a team. A song inspired by Parton's upbringing, "Coat of Many Colors," now has a fantasy draft connection to it.
Imagination Library Brooks
One of Parton's best contributions to society, her Imagination Library provides books to children for free until they reach age five. It just so happens that Jonathan Brooks' name fits perfectly here and can help spread awareness about a program that has helped millions.
Travelin’ Man Coverage
From her "Coat of Many Colors" album, Parton released the song "Travelin' Man." We couldn't get through this exercise without a nod to the defenders of the football world.
Steelers Magnolias
Perhaps you're daring and decide to draft multiple players from the Steelers' offense. Luckily for you, Parton played in the 1989 romcom, "Steel Magnolias." Not only can you pay tribute to the music legend, but also your favorite football team – or just the players you ended up with.
Jolene took my team
Parton begged Jolene to not take her man, so she did something far worse. She took her fantasy football team. Ouch.
B’Rocky Top, Tennessee
Parton was famously escorted onto the field by Peyton Manning to perform "Rocky Top" after the first quarter of the Tennessee Volunteers game against the Georgia Bulldogs in 2023. It was a game that didn't end well for the Vols, a 38-10 loss, but it is fitting that Brock Bowers was part of that Georgia team. He might've been on the wrong side then, but this is a unique way to remember that moment.
Joshua My QB
The title track of her 1971 album, "Joshua" can fit multiple players and positions across the league. In this case, we opted to envision Josh Allen in the role.
Down on Music Burrow
Released in 1973, "Down on Music Row" tells the story of Parton's arrival in Nashville. The heart of the music industry in the "Music City," anyone that wants to become a star eventually walks that famed road. In this case, Joe Burrow combined football without compromising the title.
Nickels and Danny Dimes
Coins became the talk of the country this year after it was revealed the United States Mint was discontinuing production of the penny. It leaves nickels and dimes as the smallest coins still left in production, but that's also a song Parton released in 1978. A story about her singing for money, Daniel "Danny Dimes" Jones was playing for money last season. He earned a new contract from the Colts that will pay him millions. Indianapolis will hope he doesn't play like loose change though.
DreamMoore Resort
A Parton-owned resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, connected with Dollywood, there are plenty of Moore's across the league to get the job done here. And since "Resort" just gives off luxurious connotations, who wouldn't want a piece of this pie?
Good Lookin’ James Cookin’
Parton wasn't just involved with music, movies and business. She also had some cookbooks, including "Good Lookin' Cookin'" that she authored with her sister. If you're drafting James Cook, then you're almost certainly looking for a kitchen-inspired name. Well, here you go.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dolly Parton-inspired fantasy football team names to pay tribute in 2026
