In a significant milestone for pediatric healthcare, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has been rebranded as Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, symbolizing a new partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare services for children across East Tennessee and beyond. This change was officially announced on February 26, 2026.
Dolly Parton expressed her heartfelt connection to the region, stating, “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. 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 almost nine decades, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has been a beacon of expert pediatric care in the community. With the transition to Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, the facility aims to reinforce its commitment to providing compassionate and innovative healthcare services. This partnership emphasizes the importance of community support and a deep-rooted concern for the well-being of children and families in the area.
The president and CEO of the hospital, Matt Schaefer, highlighted that this transition is more than mere nomenclature. “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,” he said, underscoring the hospital’s dedication to nurturing a healthy future for the children it serves.
Community members are encouraged to take part in this transformative journey by supporting the future of pediatric care at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. Those interested in contributing can find more information at DollyChildrens.org.
Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital remains an independent, not-for-profit pediatric healthcare system, accredited as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center by the state of Tennessee. With a vision focused on nurturing the next generation, the hospital is committed to improving the health and well-being of children, delivering exceptional and comprehensive care one child at a time.