Dolly Parton might prefer stilettos to sneakers, but she is still being recognized by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, which recently named the country music icon as the 2020 Tennessean of the Year! Dolly Parton will be honored alongside Tennessee Titans’ Derrick Henry, who is the recipient of the Pro Athlete of the Year Award.
According to a press release, the Tennessean of the Year “recognizes an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to society through sports or other methods, demonstrating strong character and high-profile leadership.” Previous recipients include U.S. Vice President Albert Gore, Jr., 47th Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Gaylord Entertainment Company.
“This will come as a shock to most of you, but I’m not very athletic. Ha ha,” Dolly said in a statement about the honor. “I just couldn’t find tennis shoes, cleats, or blades with five-inch heels, so I gave up and settled for music. Seriously, I have always been a proud Tennessee girl and have supported all our athletics through the years; so, of course, I’m thrilled to be honored by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Dolly is being honored in part for her numerous charitable contributions, including her Imagination Library, which to date has donated more than 130 million books to children all over the world.
Other honorees include former Vanderbilt University and NBA Philadelphia 76ers basketball player Perry Wallace, who will posthumously receive the David Williams Significant Historical Achievement Award, and Woody Hunt, a 17-time Coach of the Year and Rawlings Coach of the Year Award winner, who will receive the Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award. The Tennessee Titans will also receive the Pro Team of the Year Award.
The awards will be given at the Hall of Fame’s annual induction, which is scheduled to take place on August 1, 2020 at Omni Nashville Hotel. For tickets and more information, call 615-418-9595.
Photo Credit: Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer
