NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As Tennessee prepares to mark its 225th year of statehood next week, singing legend Dolly Parton is lending her voice to the celebration.
On Tuesday, Gov. Bill Lee released “Home,” a video featuring Parton’s voice overlaid against scenes of the state, the Knoxville News-Sentinel reported. The governor released the video on YouTube and also shared it in a tweet.
Tennessee became the 16th state in the Union on June 1, 1796.
Dolly Parton gave a nod to her home state of Tennessee in special video commemorating the state's 225th birthday. https://t.co/TrZscYc0ES
— knoxnews (@knoxnews) May 26, 2021
Parton originally released the song, “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” in 1973, WBIR reported. The video Lee unveiled on Tuesday features the streets, landmarks and natural scenery of the state.
“I’m thankful she’s joined us to commemorate Tennessee’s 225 birthday with this new video featuring communities across our state,” Lee tweeted.
.@DollyParton is a Tennessee treasure, and I’m thankful she’s joined us to commemorate Tennessee's 225 birthday with this new video featuring communities across our state. @Tennessee225 #TN225 pic.twitter.com/xm0xA9jGl7
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) May 25, 2021
Parton, 75, was born Jan. 26, 1946, in Pittman Center, located in Sevier County in the eastern part of the state.
“Dolly is a Tennessee treasure, and I’m thankful she’s joined us to commemorate 225 years of statehood,” Lee said in a statement. “I invite Tennesseans to celebrate at events throughout the year from Mountain City to Memphis and to share the stories of the people, places and moments that have shaped Tennessee.”
Lee will kick off the yearlong celebration and 95-county tour of the state beginning June 1 in Jonesborough, WBIR reported. The governor will also make stops in Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis, the television station reported.
“I am Tennessee proud,” Parton said in a statement. “I’m proud of our wonderful state, proud to be a born and raised Tennessee girl and I’m proud to be a part of all that we represent.”
Tennesseans may submit stories and find upcoming events at www.Tennessee225.com.
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