An exclusive collection of merchandise is also available
The University of Tennessee Athletics Department announces a partnership with global superstar Dolly Parton for an exclusive Vols Edition of Parton’s much-anticipated Rockstar album including a live version of Parton’s “Rocky Top.” Additionally, in a deal facilitated by IMG, leading gameday apparel company LivyLu launched a cobranded merchandise collection pairing two of East Tennessee’s most beloved franchises—Dolly Parton and the UT Vols. The apparel collection will be available via regional retail locations and online platforms, with select items available on Shop.UTSports.com and UTVolShop.com.
“My East Tennessee roots run deep, and I am so proud to be partnering with the Vols on a line of merchandise,” says Parton. “I’ve performed ‘Rocky Top’ so many times live in my concerts through the years, and I know how much that song means to Vols fans. I am thrilled to have the chance to include my version of the song on a special edition of my new Rockstar album as part of this partnership.”
“Dolly Parton is one of the most influential and best-selling artists of all time and we are proud to partner with such an icon,” states Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. “Her new album “Rockstar” debuts in November and includes a custom Vols version, including Dolly’s exclusive live rendition of Rocky Top. This venture, along with becoming the first collegiate team to partner with her on an exclusive merchandise line with our Tennessee Dolly Parton Collection just further demonstrates the power of our iconic brand.”
Parton has a long association with the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. In 2009 Parton delivered the commencement speech to the graduating class, where she was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane and musical letters. In both 2011 and 2014, Parton brought her world tours to the campus arena.
As one of the year’s most-anticipated album releases, Rockstar features Parton taking on some of the most adored songs in rock history. She has already released five songs from the album – a cover of 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up (What’s Goin’ On)” with the song’s writer and performer Linda Perry, a cover of Queen’s “We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions,” the new, original song she wrote with producer Kent Wells “Bygones” featuring Rob Halford, Nikki Sixx and John 5 which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Rock Digital Songs chart, “Magic Man (Carl Version)” featuring Ann Wilson, and her original song, “World on Fire,” which also reached the No. 1 Billboard Rock Digital Songs chart the month of its release.
Rockstar is set for global release on November 17th via Butterfly Records with distribution by Big Machine Label Group and will be available as a 4 LP set, a 2 CD set, digital download and on all streaming services.
