Diana Harshbarger

U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger and Tennessee's House delegation honored Dolly Parton on Sept. 2 by introducing a symbolic resolution and observing a moment of silence on the U.S. House floor.

Led by Harshbarger, both the resolution and the moment of silence came a week after Parton's death on Aug. 25. Sponsored by Harshbarger and co-sponsored by her eight fellow Tennessee U.S. representatives, the resolution holds no legal weight, simply serving as a statement expressing the House's recognition of Parton's extraordinary life and legacy.

“Dolly Parton was one of our own, and she never forgot where she came from," said Harshbarger in a press release shared with The Tennessean.

"My prayers are with her family and everyone who loved her, and I am honored to lead this effort in the House to make sure her legacy is remembered for generations to come," she concluded.

How the U.S. House honored Dolly Parton

At around 4:45 pm EST, Harshbarger took to the front of the House, joined by Tennessee U.S. representatives John Rose, Steve Cohen, Tim Burchett, Andy Ogles and Matt Van Epps, to honor Parton.

"Her music told the truth about hard work, faith, and family, and that truth is why the whole world fell in love with her. But it was her heart that made her a legend at home," Harshbarger said addressing the House.

"We lost an icon, not just to us, but to the world," Harshbarger said before guiding members of the U.S. House in a moment of silence.

What exactly is the resolution honoring Dolly Parton?

Harshbarger and the Tennessee delegation's resolution extensively recognizes Parton's contributions to American music, literacy, education, health care, disaster relief, conservation and philanthropy.

The symbolic measure highlights initiatives such as Dollywood, the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, as well as Parton's contributions to Vanderbilt's pediatric and infectious disease research, and Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

The resolution formally places the House's tribute to Parton into the congressional record, but it carries no force of law and does not authorize funding or create any federal programs. The resolution was purely a commemorative and symbolic action.

Tennessee delegation says Dolly Parton represented ‘all of America’

"Dolly Parton embodied everything it meant to be an East Tennessean. Her voice, her style, and her outlook on life were all born from her upbringing in Sevierville...The American Dream resonates with every person in this country, and as much as we love to claim her in Tennessee, she represented all of America. Rest in peace, Dolly,” said U.S. Rep. Burchett.

“Not one Tennessean has ever done more for our great state than Dolly Parton. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution to honor her life and legacy of always putting others first,” added U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais.

“Dolly was a living embodiment of grace, unwavering love and support, and generosity. She was the greatest representative of Tennessee ever...The world would be a better place if more people were like Dolly," said U.S. Rep. Cohen.

Was Dolly Parton political?

Parton never participated in the political world by endorsing political candidates or supporting parties, as she was never a fan of the divisiveness it entailed.

"I’ve got as many Democrats as I do Republicans as fans, and I’m not going to insult any of them because I care about all of them," Parton told The Guardian in 2023.

"I ain’t that good a Christian to think that I am so good that I can judge people. That’s God’s job, not mine. So as far as politics, I hate politics. Hate politics."

"It’s just that I see both sides of everything. I think people can change their views on a lot of things if they would open their eyes wide enough, or be willing to accept, 'Well, maybe I’m wrong.'"

Peter Burditt covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact him at [email protected].