Dolly Parton Children's Hospital Announced

Official Announcement | Published: Feb 26, 2026 11:16 AM EST

(TPR) In a landmark moment for pediatric healthcare, East Tennessee Children's Hospital today announced it is officially becoming Dolly Parton Children's Hospital, marking a powerful new collaboration designed to elevate children's healthcare across East Tennessee and beyond.

"Being fortunate to have grown up in the mountains of East Tennessee, I learned early on what it means to take care of one another," said Dolly Parton. "Every child deserves world-class care, wrapped in kindness and love. I'm so honored to stand alongside this hospital and do my part to help bring more hope, more comfort and more healing to children and families."

For nearly 90 years, East Tennessee Children's Hospital has delivered transformative and expert pediatric care. In a region where neighbors show up for one another and roots run deep, Dolly Parton is reinforcing a longstanding commitment to children and families in a bold new era for the hospital - one centered on compassion, innovation and access.

Driven by excellence and grounded in its commitment to families, Dolly Parton Children's Hospital will continue advancing its mission to improve the health and well-being of children through exceptional, comprehensive, family-centered care - deepening its impact of pediatric excellence across the region.

"This is more than a name change," said Matt Schaefer, President and CEO of Dolly Parton Children's Hospital. "With Dolly's support, we are strengthening our mission to deliver world-class pediatric care to families, ensuring every child who walks through our doors receives the treatment they deserve."

Everyone is invited to be part of this historic moment by contributing to the future of pediatric care at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital. To learn more or get involved, visit DollyChildrens.org.