Josh Heupel makes statement about Dolly Parton and reveals how Tennessee will honor her legacy on the field
Tennessee football will honor the Volunteer State’s favorite daughter after her recent passing.
The state of Tennessee lost arguably its biggest living icon last week when Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80.
Her death is one that hit many across the country and the world hard, but it the loss was felt the hardest by those in her native Tennessee. Celebrities rightfully praised her friendly nature and positivity as well as her accomplishments both in the music industry and as a seemingly always willing philanthropist.
Tennessee legend Peyton Manning issued a statement following her passing last week.
“There was only one Dolly and I feel lucky to have known her,” wrote Peyton in a post on Instagram. “We’ll miss you, Dolly. Tennessee won’t be the same without her!”
On Monday during his press conference, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel spoke for the first time since her death and mentioned Parton early in his opening statement.
Josh Heupel speaks on Dolly Parton’s passing, says Vols will wear a helmet sticker to honor her and her accomplishments
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t also talk about the passing of Dolly Parton,” Heupel said. “All that she’s meant across the world, this country, and certainly the queen of East Tennessee. A lady that was extremely proud of her roots. You look at her impact, just her ability to give back, make an impact to people. Certainly here in East Tennessee, she means a lot to people across the country, but certainly here inside the state of Tennessee, too.
“So, we’ll be wearing a sticker patch on the back of our helmet to recognize her, her accomplishments, and everything that she’s meant and had an impact here on Tennessee.”
Tennessee’s social media account also revealed what that sticker will be on Monday afternoon.
We’ll see those stickers on the field soon enough, as Tennessee gets their season underway on Saturday afternoon against Furman at 3:30 pm ET in Neyland Stadium.
