Dolly has always tried to give back to her beloved Sevier County—whom she frequently refers to as “her people”. In August, 2000, SCHSAA and Dolly announced the creation of The Dolly Parton Scholarship for Sevier County High School. The $15,000 Dolly Parton Scholarship is given to a student that displays the same character and determination as Dolly did when she started out on her journey in life to Dream More, Learn More, Care More & Be More.

Today, with the support of other local Sevier County organizations, this prestigious Dolly Parton Scholarship is now awarded to one senior in all five high schools in Sevier Co.: Sevier County, Pigeon Forge , Seymour, Northview Academy and Gatlinburg-Pittman High Schools.