Tennessee Credit Unions Remember Dolly Parton

In the early 1990s, the drop-out rate in Sevier County, Tenn., was 35 percent.

Dolly had just created the Dollywood Foundation, and her first goal was to help students graduate from high school. She promised every 7th- and 8th-grade student that she would personally give them $500 if they graduated from high school.

It worked—graduation rates soared. Drop-out rates dropped dramatically from 35 percent to 6 percent.

A 2026 YouGov poll noted that Dolly Parton is the celebrity who best represents the American dream. Another YouGov poll found that Dolly’s net approval rating was 65%—51 points higher than anyone else.

Dolly had a people-before-profits approach, much like the credit union mission.

We recently asked credit unions to share how Dolly has impacted them.

Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union—Carrying Forward Dolly’s Spirit of Giving

Throughout the years, Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union has supported efforts connected to Dolly Parton’s work, but perhaps even more importantly, we have tried to embody the generous spirit she represents. In East Tennessee, Dolly’s influence is far beyond her music and career. Her love for her neighbors, commitment to helping others and pride in this community are qualities we all hope to carry forward.

Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union—Imagination Library Builds Lasting Connections

One connection that immediately came to mind is our support of the Hawkins County Imagination Library. Our Hawkins County Branch Managers, Misti Race (Rogersville) and Melissa Brooks (Church Hill), visited the Hawkins County program last fall to learn more about its impact in our community. We were especially impressed to learn that more than 92% of eligible children in Hawkins County are enrolled in the program.

Enrichment Federal Credit Union—Carrying Dolly’s Legacy Forward

Dolly Parton’s legacy of generosity has left an immeasurable impact on East Tennessee. Enrichment Federal Credit Union is honored to support organizations that reflect her lifelong commitment to children, education and families.

Heritage South Community Credit Union

“When I think about how our credit union started, with the employees of Empire Pencil Company in the mid 50’s, the mindset was certainly “we will take care of our own,’” said Laura Parham, president and CEO of Heritage South Community Credit Union. “Co-workers in a “not so glamorous” industry (making pencils from real cedar wood slats and lead from graphite), making not so much money, who decided to take care of each other by pooling their savings so others could borrow in time of need was about as basic as it gets; never forgetting our “roots” just like Dolly.”

Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union employees gather with Dolly during a My People Fund event.

Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union—Dolly’s Commitment Reflects People Helping People Philosophy

Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union’s™ partnerships with Dolly Parton’s businesses and affiliates are extensive and impactful. One of the most significant partnerships came after the devastating 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires. As families across Sevier County faced the loss of their homes, Dolly created the My People Fund to provide direct financial support to those affected. KTVAECU® served as the financial institution that helped distribute assistance checks to affected families.

ORNL Federal Credit Union—Celebrating Dolly’s Legacy of Giving

ORNL Federal Credit Union has long embraced Dolly Parton’s joyful spirit and commitment to improving the lives of children and families throughout East Tennessee. Through ongoing support of the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, formerly East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we are proud to help continue her legacy of compassion, generosity, and service.

tnConnect Credit Union—Carrying Forward Dolly’s Legacy by Helping When Others Won’t

At tnConnect Credit Union, we proudly support Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital through annual fundraising and holiday giving efforts. With a branch in Sevier County, Dolly’s hometown, we are proud to serve the community she loved so deeply. As a low-income designated credit union, we carry forward her legacy of kindness and service by supporting underserved communities, providing financial literacy education, and putting people first.

Tennessee and Mississippi Credit Union Association

“I’m completely devastated, but so in awe to see how much of an impact she’s had,” said Sarah Waters, chief advocacy officer at the Association. “I’ve seen so many talk about the lessons she’s left behind, and the one that has stuck with me is to ‘Find out who you are and do it on purpose.’ I like to think of it as her saying ‘Go Shine, don’t hide your sparkle and be unapologetically you!’ So ironically with people saying to be more like Dolly, they should be more like themselves, and love and give as much as possible!”

“As an East Tennessee native, some of my favorite memories are of visiting Dollywood,” said Jessica McCosh, senior corporate communications specialist at the Association. “I remember visiting Dollywood with friends and family as a young child, going on field trips to Dollywood and then ‘Making Memories Worth Repeating’ with my children. She worked tirelessly to make East Tennessee and the entire world a better place—what an incredible legacy she leaves behind.”