Social momentum continues to build in support of the removal of a bust portraying former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard Nathan Bedford Forrest from the Tennessee State House.
A new petition launched by a man named Alex Parsons hopes to further support the position of many who want to replace the bust of the infamous racist–along with all other statues throughout the state which portray noted persons of the Confederacy–with arguably the most universally beloved musician from the state of Tennessee in country singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Dolly Parton.
The petition, which has reached over 2,650 signatures towards its goal of 5,000 names as of Sunday morning will hopefully persuade Tennessee legislators to place Parton in her rightfully earned place of honor in her home state. Parton famously grew up in a modest community within the Smokey Mountains area of eastern Tennessee, and has gone on to achieve one of, if not arguably the most successful career of any American songwriter. In addition to her contributions through music, the petition notes her achievements as an educator and philanthropist who has worked to give back to her home communities over the years as more reasons to be a symbol of unity and kindness.
The petition reads,
Aside from her beautiful music, which has touched the hearts and lives of millions of Americans, Dolly Parton’s philanthropic heart has unquestionably changed the world for the better. From the Dollywood foundation that has provided books and scholarships to millions of American children, to the millions of dollars she has donated to dozens of organizations such as the Red Cross and COVID-19 research centers, Dolly Parton has given more to this country and this state than those confederate officers could ever have hoped to take away.
Let’s replace the statues of men who sought to tear this country apart with a monument to the woman who has worked her entire life to bring us closer together.
According to Consequence of Sound, state lawmakers in Tennessee continue to vote against legislation which would remove Forrest’s bust from the state capitol. Click here to visit the petition.
Last month Parton returned with an optimistic new original single, “When Life Is Good Again”.
[H/TÂ Consequence of Sound]