Dolly Parton to be honored posthumously by Nashville Chamber for her ‘outstanding contributions’
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Dolly Parton’s great work has now been recognized by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce during its Annual Celebration 2026 — "Next Starts Now."
The panel has reportedly decided to honor the global star posthumously with its Icon Award in a September 17 ceremony at the Nissan Stadium.
Dolly Parton and two more people will be honored posthumously by Nashville Chamber
As per reports, the award is given to those from the fields of business, education, healthcare, music, civic life, workforce development and philanthropy, who have worked toward shaping and defining Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
The ‘Coat of Many Colors’ singer will be honored alongside two more posthumous recipients of the chamber’s icon awards — civic and business leader Ronald L Corbin and civic and philanthropic leader Martha R. Ingram.
In a statement, Stephanie Coleman, president and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, said, "We have a lot to celebrate this year, including people who have made outstanding contributions to our region."
"Our theme, Next Starts Now, reflects both how far our region has come and the work that is already underway to shape its future. Our honorees embody that spirit through their leadership, service, and commitment to Middle Tennessee," she added.
Dolly Parton kept her cancer battle private because she did not want 'her fans worried about it'
Parton was 80 when she died on August 25. A statement from her representative issued at the time read, “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.”
During a recent interview with Gayle King on 'CBS Mornings', the 'Jolene' crooner's younger sister Stella Parton explained why she did not talk about her cancer diagnosis publicly or reveal it to many of her family members. “Well, Dolly did not want anybody to tell that, because Dolly could not bear negative things, and she would not have wanted her fans worried about it,” Stella said.
“She didn’t want a lot of the family worried about it. Some of us knew, the ones that were closer, but not every relative,” she added. Stella also said that her elder sister “did not want people sad.”
Stella Parton says Dolly was 'definitely prepared' for her death
In the interview, Stella also said that her big sister was “at peace” when she died.
“I know she was at peace. I could always tell by looking at her face, even if I hadn’t seen her in months,” she stated, before noting, “She was my sister. You know, we were very close as a family. She knew where she was going. She wasn’t going anywhere bad, she was going to be with Momma and Daddy. She was definitely prepared.”
