The Tennessee Volunteers announce they will honor Dolly Parton by adding a special helmet decal during the start of the NCAA football season. The team’s tribute is set to appear when the Vols kick off the season against Furman on Saturday.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel makes the announcement, describing Parton as the “queen of east Tennessee.” The tribute reflects a regional nod to the country music star ahead of the team’s opener. Coverage focuses on the planned helmet sticker and the coach’s description of Parton, with outlets aligning on the timing and purpose of the honor.

While the details of how the decal will look are not expanded in the provided accounts, both sources agree on the central elements: Tennessee is conducting a game-day tribute, Parton is the honoree, and the “Queen of East Tennessee” phrasing is used in the announcement.