KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs shares his reaction to the announcement that East Tennessee Children’s Hospital will be renamed Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.
“Before I was mayor, I served on the hospital’s advisory council and made regular visits to see the children there. My own grandchildren have received care at the hospital, so I have seen the great work that goes on there firsthand,” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said. “This collaboration with Dolly is transformational for one of the most important institutions in our region. Speaking of Dolly, I cannot imagine what East Tennessee would look like without her and her generosity. As I always say, some superheroes wear sequins.”
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital announced that it will officially become Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital as part of a new chapter for the institution. Hospital leaders said the name reflects a shared commitment to serving children and strengthening families across East Tennessee and the surrounding region.
The Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital is the only standalone pediatric hospital in Tennessee and one of only 31 standalone children’s hospitals in the country. With over 2,200 employees, including more than 400 medical staff, the hospital is one of the region’s major employers, serving nearly 500,000 patient encounters each year. With an accredited cystic fibrosis program, cochlear implant program, a Center of Excellence for pediatric sedation, and many other services, the Hospital provides world-class healthcare to families in East Tennessee and beyond.
For more information about today’s announcement, please visit dollychildrens.org.
Mayor Jacobs’ reaction to today’s announcement can be viewed here.







