New name for Children’s Hospital

Wonder what it costs to be the named sponsor of a hospital? As J.P. Morgan might have said, “If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.”

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, a 90-year Knoxville institution, has become the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, complete with a new logo, new signage and a new website: dollychildrens.org.

Let Dolly explain why she did it.

Parton was ranked 78th in Forbes Magazine’s 2025 America’s Richest Self-Made Women with an estimated net worth of $450 million (as of 6/3/25). Forbes says the bulk of her fortune comes from her stake in Dollywood. She invested in the theme park in 1986, changed the name to Dollywood and created an entertainment venue that compares with Disney World.

Forbes estimates the value of her catalog of more than 3,000 songs at $120 million. In 2022, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos awarded Parton with $100 million to give away to charitable causes of her choice.

Dolly didn’t marry it, divorce it or inherit it. She made it dollar by dollar. And we’re very lucky that the woman with no kids of her own has adopted ours.

Bailey gets third term as deadline passes

Jason Bailey

Union County Mayor Jason Bailey will be unopposed in the 2026 election in August, possibly a first for Union County. Bailey, a young guy who holds a doctorate, took office on September 1, 2018 and won re-election in 2022.

Previously he was employed by Union County Public Schools where he was most recently principal of the county’s newest elementary school, Paulette. As county mayor, Bailey has worked with the school system to fund and build a new middle school, currently under construction. Cheers to Doctor Mayor Jason Bailey!

Elaine Streno to retire at Second Harvest

Elaine Streno

In this season of transitions, we’ve lost a great leader with the upcoming retirement of Elaine Streno as chief executive officer of Second Harvest Food Bank. There might have been a Second Harvest before Streno, but after her 33 years there, I can’t remember.

Elaine’s approach to businesses and donors was straightforward. Over the years, I’ve helped her promote events at Ray Varner Ford, Weigel’s and a West Knoxville package store that sponsored Sunday afternoon wine tastings.

Here’s what the organization said in the announcement:

“With deep gratitude, we share that our CEO, Elaine Streno, will retire later this year after 33 years of extraordinary service to Second Harvest and the people of East Tennessee. Her leadership helped shape Second Harvest into a source of hope and stability for neighbors facing hunger.

“Under Elaine’s leadership, Second Harvest grew across 18 counties, deepened partnerships and strengthened its ability to be there for neighbors in their hardest moments.”

“Elaine’s leadership has shaped Second Harvest into the strong, respected organization it is today,” said David Owens, president of the board of directors. “Her vision, steady guidance and unwavering dedication to our mission have positioned the food bank for long-term success. We are incredibly grateful for her 33 years of service.”

So, one more time. If you would like to help Second Harvest honor Elaine, you can donate to the Elaine Streno Tribute Drive by visiting this link.

Heatherly heads division of state Special Olympics

THP Major Stacey Heatherly – we wrote about her retirement in this space last week – has resurfaced with a new job. She’s joined Tennessee Special Olympics as director of the new Tennessee Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Notes & Quotes

Remote Area Medical’s pop-up clinic offering free dental, vision and medical services to the Harriman and surrounding communities is set for two days only, April 11-12. All services are free, no ID required and on a first-come, first-served basis, until capacity is reached. Learn more here.

Halls BPA will meet at noon Tuesday, March 17, at Scared Ground Hospice House, 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville. Tickets are $18 (available at the door) and include lunch. Speakers are Matthew Cummings, who operates a combined glassblowing/ sculpture studio and brewery in Knoxville’s Old City, and Shanna Browning, community outreach manager for First Century Bank.

Quote: You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go. – Dr. Seuss

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