The Sevier County High School band, alma mater to the late country music legend Dolly Parton, is set to perform a musical tribute in her honor. The band has three arrangements of Parton's songs in permanent rotation: "9 to 5," "Islands in the Stream," and "I Will Always Love You." This Friday, band alumni will join the Sevier County High School Band and their neighbors from the Jefferson County High School Band at a halftime show for a rendition of "I Will Always Love You."
Band director Nathan Hickman recalled Parton's genuine connection to the students and her significant, often anonymous, contributions to music education. Hickman recounted an instance where Parton, upon learning he was the band director, playfully pretended to be an old friend to impress the students. "She was a tiny giant, and was genuine to herself at the same time," Hickman said.
Parton's support extended beyond her immediate community. She anonymously funded hundreds of school music programs, primarily in the American South. Her philanthropic efforts also included support for professional development programs, food banks, and literacy initiatives for underserved communities and children globally. The butterflies on the Sevier County High School band's uniforms serve as a visual tribute to Parton, who was known for her bedazzled style.
"Dolly's legacy is an example of generosity, and that legacy will live on through the students in the Sevier County High School Band," Hickman stated. "Our band program is successful today because of [her]." Parton, who was herself a snare drummer in high school, passed away after a brief battle with cancer. She was 80.