Tennessee Diocese Mourns Loss of Singer Dolly Parton "As Catholics, we entrust her to the mercy of Almighty God. We pray that Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life, will receive her into His eternal kingdom" FULL TEXT

Following the passing of iconic entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton on August 25, 2026, the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville released an official statement joining admirers worldwide to mourn a beloved "daughter of Sevier County".

Remembering her as "one of our own," the diocese paid tribute to Parton’s proud East Tennessee roots, her unwavering Christian faith, and her decades of philanthropic work, highlighting initiatives such as her Imagination Library that distributed millions of books to children. 

Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, TN - FULL TEXT Statement On the passing of Dolly Parton
August 25, 2026
The Diocese of Knoxville joins the people of East Tennessee and countless admirers around the world in mourning the passing of Dolly Parton on Aug. 25. She was a daughter of Sevier County, and her life carried the spirit of our mountain home far beyond the Smokies.

Dolly was born and raised in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. She first sang in a small Pentecostal church, long before the world knew her name. She never hid her faith. It showed up in the hymns she recorded across six decades, in how openly she talked about God, and in the millions of free books her Imagination Library has placed in children's hands.

As Catholics, we entrust her to the mercy of Almighty God. We pray that Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life, will receive her into His eternal kingdom. We also pray for her family, friends, colleagues, and all who grieve her loss. May the Holy Spirit bring them consolation in this time of sorrow.

East Tennessee knew Dolly Parton as more than a world-famous star. We knew her as one of our own. She was shaped by these hills and these churches. Her life shows what can grow from faith, perseverance, imagination, and love for one's neighbors — even from humble beginnings.

"I am very sorry to hear of her passing, and I am praying for those who are mourning her loss," said Bishop Mark Beckman. "She made a wonderful contribution to our world and our community, and she will be greatly missed."

May God grant her eternal rest. May perpetual light shine upon her. And may all who mourn find comfort in the words of Christ, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Source: https://dioknox.org/news/on-the-passing-of-dolly-parton