SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) – The outpouring of love shown at the Dolly Parton statue outside the Sevier County Courthouse is continuing to make a difference beyond the memorial site.
As thousands of visitors stopped by to pay their respects, they left behind flowers, gifts, teddy bears, balloons and other heartfelt mementos honoring the beloved East Tennessee icon. Now, many of those tributes are being shared with others in need of comfort and encouragement.
Sevier County officials announced a partnership with Random Acts of Flowers Knoxville, allowing floral arrangements left at the courthouse to be repurposed and distributed to patients in healthcare settings across the region.
County staff recently delivered a truckload and box truck full of flowers to the nonprofit organization. According to officials, it was the largest single donation of flowers the organization has ever received.
The flowers will be redesigned into new arrangements and delivered to patients, extending the spirit of kindness reflected in the community’s tribute to Dolly.
In addition, balloons left at the courthouse were donated to Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, where they will be used to brighten the days of children and families receiving care.
County leaders said the overwhelming response from community members and visitors demonstrated the deep impact Dolly Parton has had on generations of people in East Tennessee and beyond.
“The love our community and visitors have shown for Dolly has been overwhelming,” officials said. “We are grateful that these heartfelt tributes can now continue spreading the kindness, compassion and joy that Dolly gave so freely to others.”
The effort allows the memorial gifts left in Dolly’s honor to continue her legacy of generosity by bringing comfort, hope and smiles to patients and families throughout the region.
Balloons left at Dolly’s statue given to Random Acts of Flowers (Sevier County Government)
