Dolly Parton to Receive Honorary Doctorate

To: UT Knoxville Faculty, Staff and Students
From: Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek
Subject: Dolly Parton to Receive Honorary Doctorate

I'm writing to let you know about an important moment in the life of our university that will take place this spring, pending approval next week by our Board of Trustees.

We have nominated Dolly Parton — one of East Tennessee's most famous daughters — to receive an honorary doctoral degree from UT Knoxville. The degree, a Doctor of Humane and Musical Letters, would be conferred on May 8 at the College of Arts and Sciences commencement in Thompson-Boling Arena.

Her life's work as an entertainer, philanthropist and cultural ambassador for this state uniquely distinguish her as a person worthy of this honor, and she would be only the second recipient of an honorary doctorate from UT Knoxville.

Ms. Parton's achievements in entertainment are well-known, and over her career, the Sevier County native has become the most successful female country music artist in history. Along with great success in several musical genres, she has earned acclaim for her work in television, on film and on Broadway.

Ms. Parton is dedicated to East Tennessee and consistently sensitive to the needs of its communities, particularly in education at all levels.

For more than 30 years, she has provided incentives for graduation and college scholarships for Sevier County students, giving them opportunities beyond high school and a chance for a college education.

Ms. Parton founded the Imagination Library in Sevier County in 1996, providing an age-appropriate book to children every month — from birth to 5 years. The program now serves 1,000 communities in 47 states, the United Kingdom and Canada, distributing more than 5 million books a year.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Ms. Parton has served as a cultural ambassador for this region and this state throughout the world.

Because of her career not just as a musician and entertainer, but also for her role as a cultural ambassador, philanthropist and lifelong advocate for education, it is fitting that she be honored with an honorary degree from the flagship educational institution of her home state. It will be a memorable ceremony for students and faculty alike.

Thank you for all you do to make our campus a place where education remains a central value.

Posted February 17, 2009