On May 8 , 2009 , Parton gave the commencement speech at the graduation ceremony for the University of Tennessee , Knoxville 's College of Arts and Sciences . During the ceremony , she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the university . It was only the second honorary degree given by the university , and in presenting the degree , the university 's Chancellor , Jimmy G. Cheek , said , " Because of her career not just as a musician and entertainer , but for her role as a cultural ambassador , philanthropist and lifelong advocate for education , it is fitting that she be honored with an honorary degree from the flagship educational institution of her home state . " In response to the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires , Parton was one of a number of country music artists who participated in a telethon to raise money for victims of the fires . This was held in Nashville on December 9 . In addition , Parton hosted her own telethon for the victims on December 13 and reportedly raised around $ 9 million
2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires
2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires
Dolly Parton