Dolly Parton Honored With Sept. 25 Day of Giving
September 24, 2026, 12:44 p.m.

Photo of Dolly Parton at the opening of the Dolly Parton Birthing Unit. Image by Covenant Health

SEVIERVILLE, TN - Covenant Health LeConte and the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation invite community members to honor Dolly Parton's extraordinary legacy through a Sept. 25 Day of Giving benefiting the Dolly Parton Birthing Unit.

The organizations are deeply saddened by the loss of Dolly Parton, an extraordinary woman whose compassion, generosity and unwavering love for the people of Sevier County touched countless lives. Throughout her life, Parton remained devoted to helping others and creating opportunities for generations of East Tennesseans. Her impact lives on through the Dolly Parton Women's Center and Dolly Parton Birthing Unit, where families continue to receive compassionate care every day.

For many years, Parton proudly served as honorary chairperson of the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, established to support the health needs of Sevier County and surrounding communities. Her service reflected a deep appreciation for Dr. Robert F. Thomas, the physician who delivered her and later became a trusted mentor and lifelong friend.

"Few people have impacted Sevier County as profoundly as Dolly Parton,” said Chip Bryant, vice president and chief philanthropy officer of Covenant Health. "She believed deeply in caring for others and strengthening the community she loved. Supporting the Dolly Parton Birthing Unit is a meaningful way to honor her legacy and help ensure local families continue to receive exceptional care for generations to come."

As a tribute to Parton's enduring commitment to the community, donations made on Sept. 25 will support the Dolly Parton Birthing Unit Endowment at Covenant Health LeConte.

Hundreds of babies are born in the birthing center each year, where families receive compassionate, high-quality care during one of life's most meaningful moments. Endowment proceeds support clinical education, capital equipment, patient resources and family education materials that help provide the best possible start for newborns and their families. Community members can participate by making a gift through the donation link or by scanning the attached QR code.

"Dolly believed that every person deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, hopeful life and she dedicated herself to making that vision a reality for countless families," said Aaron Burns, chief administrative officer of Covenant Health LeConte. "The Dolly Parton Birthing Unit is a lasting reflection of her compassion and commitment to this community. There is no better way to honor her legacy than by investing in the care of future parents and babies throughout Sevier County."

Covenant Health LeConte and the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation encourage residents, visitors and Dolly Parton fans everywhere to celebrate her legacy by supporting the care of parents and babies for generations to come.

Covenant Health is a Tennessee-based healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. As a not-for-profit health system, we are dedicated to being the region’s premier healthcare network through service, community and innovation. We provide patient-centered care that inspires clinical and service excellence and strive to be the first and best choice for our patients, employees, physicians, employers, volunteers and communities. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 14,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.