Dream more, learn more, care more, and be more.
- Dolly Parton
For the Love of Dolly: A Celebration of Life & Legacy is ETSU's week-long celebration honoring the life, legacy, and enduring impact of Dolly Parton through opportunities for reflection, conversation, music, and community.
Programming will include a listening room, panel discussion, community reflection, Open Mic, and more, with additional events and opportunities to be announced soon.This collaborative initiative is supported by partners including the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement, Department of Appalachian Studies, and ETSU’s America 250 Committee, with more partners and opportunities to be announced. All events are open to the ETSU campus community and members of the public, inviting everyone to come together to celebrate the stories, values, and lasting influence of Dolly’s remarkable legacy.
Music & Connections
Tuesday, September 22
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Ballroom, D.P. Culp Student Center (3rd Floor)
Drop by or stay for the whole time, as we listen to Dolly’s music and stories (music videos and interviews), connect with others, and reflect on the memories and inspirations her life and legacy have given us. Light refreshments will be available. Open to the ETSU campus and the broader community.
Panel Discussion & Community Reflection
Tuesday, September 22
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Ballroom, D.P. Culp Student Center (3rd Floor)
Join us for a moderated conversation led by Josh Smith exploring Dolly’s life, influence, and enduring legacy. The discussion will invite reflection on the many dimensions of her story—from her Appalachian roots and identity to her music and film career, business and entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and transformative commitment to education. Together, we’ll consider not only what Dolly has accomplished, but what her life and legacy continue to inspire in our communities.
9 to 5 Open Mic
Friday, September 25
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cave, D.P. Culp Student Center (1st Floor)
We invite you to the stage from 9 to 5 for an open mic experience inviting members of the campus and broader community to celebrate Dolly through music, stories, poetry, and other creative expressions. Whether you share a song, a story, a memory, or simply come to listen and support others, this will be an opportunity to reflect on the ways Dolly’s life and legacy have inspired us.
More information on signing up to perform/share will be shared soon, so check back here!
Bucs Under the Stars (ETSU America 250 Event)
Close out the week with us by joining ETSU's America 250 Committee for their Bucs Under the Stars Drone Show. Complete with an evening of food, music, games, and Buc spirit on the University Commons. Come early, grab something to eat, enjoy the music and activities, and spend time with friends and fellow Buccaneers. As the sun goes down, turn your eyes to the sky for an unforgettable finale featuring ETSU pride, the spirit of our Appalachian home, and a special tribute to America 250.
And because September 25 happens to be 9 to 5 Day, we may have sprinkled in a little extra surprise in honor of Dolly. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with the Drone Light Show at 8:30 p.m. Bring your friends and family, find your spot on the lawn, and join us for a memorable night under the stars!
Learn more about ETSU America 250 here.