KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (TVC)- On Feb. 26th, it was officially announced that the longstanding East Tennessee Children’s Hospital would be renamed after a Tennessee native. 

Dolly Parton, the actress, singer, and philanthropist has turned the hospital name into Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.  Matt Shaefer, the CEO of the hospital describes the new development as a “union.” 

“You might be tempted to think about this simply as a name change,” He said.  “It is so much more than that.” 

 Dolly Parton has had her “Imagination library” for many years, donating hundreds of millions of children’s books to kids all over the world.  And this year, she decided to expand her philanthropic efforts right here in East Tennessee.  Chief development and public affairs officer Adam Cook says the collaboration is, “generational.” 

“It provided an extra dose of energy to a team that already works so well together,” he said. “And so collaboratively. It’s exciting. I’m excited about it.