08/26/2026
Dolly……we will always love her…..
JOINT NEWS RELEASE
Historic Courthouse Bell to Toll in Honor of Dolly Parton; County to Observe Moment of Silence at Noon
In honor of Dolly Parton and her extraordinary life and lasting contributions to the people of Sevier County, the 1896 bell atop the historic Sevier County Courthouse will ring a solemn toll today at noon (Wednesday, August 26).
The solemn tolling is being held by Sevier County, the Cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, the Town of Pittman Center, and the Sevier County School System in conjunction with the Day of Mourning proclaimed in honor of Dolly Parton.
The courthouse bell will ring as a tribute to Dolly’s remarkable life, her deep connection to Sevier County, and the profound impact she has had on generations of people throughout the community and around the world.
In honor of Dolly attending and graduating from Sevier County High School, all schools across the county will observe a moment of silence at noon.
Residents and businesses across Sevier County are also asked to observe a moment of silence today at noon in remembrance of Dolly’s remarkable life and to keep her family, friends, and loved ones around the world in their thoughts and prayers.
The five-minute tolling of the 1896 bell will serve as a solemn tribute to Dolly Parton and a reminder of the lasting difference she made in the place she always called home.
City of Sevierville, Tennessee Government
City of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Government
City of Gatlinburg
Town of Pittman Center, TN City Hall
