Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – The CEO of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital says the organization’s mission and commitment to patient care will remain unchanged following the death of its namesake, even as hospital leaders mourn the loss of one of East Tennessee’s most beloved figures.
Matt Schaefer, CEO of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, described the days since Parton’s death as “an outpouring of love” and said the response has highlighted the compassion and community spirit she inspired throughout her life.
The hospital recently canceled a planned celebration that would have formally marked the facility’s new name, but Schaefer said Parton’s influence extends far beyond signage or branding.
“Names have faces. Faces have personalities. Personalities have stories,” Schaefer said. “Our organization is proud to have that name because of the person, because of the stories and the generosity, the kindness, the encouragement to be our best for the patients and families we serve.”
The hospital announced in February that it would transition to the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital name. Schaefer said Parton personally addressed employees at the time and shared her support for the hospital’s mission.
According to Schaefer, Parton told staff she believed in the work they do and recognized the impact they have on children and families throughout the region.
While grieving her loss, hospital leaders are looking toward the future. Schaefer said plans remain in place to expand services and increase access to specialized pediatric care beyond Knoxville and Knox County.
He emphasized that neither the hospital’s operations nor its long-term vision will change because of Parton’s death.
“What won’t change? What our mission is and how we run towards serving this community in this region,” Schaefer said.
Families who rely on the hospital say Parton’s connection to the facility feels like a natural fit. Carrie Kincaid, whose two sons have received extensive treatment there, described the hospital as a second home.
Kincaid said her son Everett spent months in the pediatric intensive care unit, while her son Graham required neonatal intensive care after being born prematurely. She said the staff’s compassion has helped her family through some of its most difficult moments.
When the hospital announced it would carry Parton’s name, Kincaid said she was thrilled.
“She’s such a big part of our community,” Kincaid said. “It just kind of makes sense.”
Hospital officials say they intend to continue building on Parton’s legacy by expanding access to world-class pediatric care for generations to come.
