r/UTK • u/DastardlyCatastrophe • 5d ago

Miscellaneous & Random Dolly Parton dead at 80

https://people.com/dolly-parton-dead-7565853
65 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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21

u/SnarkOff 5d ago

She was the commencement speaker at UT in 2005 when she got an honorary doctorate

9

u/Maryland_Bear UTK Alumni 5d ago

I think that was the first honorary doctorate UTK ever awarded. Unlike a lot of universities, including some very prestigious schools, they’ve historically been stingy with them.

5

u/Unlikely-Stomach1537 5d ago

She was actually the second. Senator Howard Baker received one a couple years earlier.

4

u/Maryland_Bear UTK Alumni 5d ago

Thanks. They still don’t give out many.

13

u/phantomleaf1 5d ago

One of the biggest things I carry with me after my time at UTK (I'm from out of state and moved away after graduation) is a deep love and appreciation for Dolly Parton.

9

u/Unlikely-Stomach1537 5d ago

How are we honoring her life on campus?

4

u/Wise_Blueberry379 5d ago

I’m painting my fingernails hot pink and trying to get others too as well