KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — In a landmark move for pediatric healthcare, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital announced it is officially becoming Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, marking a new era of care for children across East Tennessee and beyond.
The name change reflects a new collaboration with Dolly Parton, reinforcing the hospital’s longstanding mission of delivering compassionate, world-class pediatric care.
“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,” Parton said. “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, the hospital has served families throughout the region with expert, family-centered pediatric care. Hospital leaders say the new name represents more than branding — it reflects an expanded commitment to innovation, access, and excellence.
“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.”
The hospital will continue serving East Tennessee as a free-standing, not-for-profit pediatric health system and a state-certified Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center.
Community members interested in supporting the hospital’s future can learn more at DollyChildrens.org.
