Dolly adorned in Big Orange for a season-long tribute by the Volunteers

The spunky spirit of Dolly will be on the field with the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturdays this season.

UT Athletics announced Monday a commemorative signature butterfly dressed in orange with Dolly Parton’s signature will adorn the player’s helmets on every gameday as a tribute to the country music icon who was laid to rest in Nashville over the weekend.

Dolly’s last appearance at Neyland Stadium was three years ago when she serenaded more than 100,000 fans with “Rocky Top” during the Vols’ contest with Georgia.

Tennessee opens their 2026 campaign Saturday at 3:30 in Knoxville against Furman.

(IMAGE: Property of University of Tennessee Athletics / Official Instagram)