The Nashville Predators are adding a little extra Dolly to their newest jerseys.
The team unveiled a special patch honoring late country music legend Dolly Parton on Tuesday, which will be worn on their new Hometown Remix sweaters during warmups ahead of Saturday’s home game against the St. Louis Blues.
The circular patch features a gold butterfly against a navy-and-black background, with Parton’s first name written in gold script. The butterfly was a recurring symbol throughout Parton’s career, appearing in her clothing, artwork, and even the logo of her Dollywood theme park. She also released the song “Love Is Like a Butterfly” in 1974.
The tribute won’t stop with the patch. Each Predators player will have “Dolly” across the back of their jersey in place of their usual nameplate, along with their regular number.
Parton, one of country music’s most beloved figures and a longtime philanthropist, died on August 25 at age 80.
The Predators’ new navy-and-gold Hometown Remix jerseys were inspired in part by Nashville’s country music heritage, featuring elaborate decorative patterns reminiscent of the stagewear worn by generations of musicians.
According to Predators CEO Sean Henry, Parton herself helped inspire the collection’s design.
“When working on the design for our jerseys, Dolly was one of our inspirations, given her legacy and how she was a trailblazer for so many in the country music industry,” Henry said in a statement.
The special warmup jerseys will be autographed by the players and auctioned via the Nashville Predators Foundation throughout the remainder of the team’s Hometown Remix games. Proceeds will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, through the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
“We are thrilled to honor her and grateful to give back to both Monroe Carell and her Imagination Library, an organization that has and continues to support so many not only in Tennessee, but around the world,” Henry added.
Fans can also get commemorative butterfly patches and pins for a $9.25 donation at the team’s foundation table near sections 106 and 107 or through the Nashville Locker Room team store during home games, beginning Saturday. The price is a fitting nod to one of Parton’s most famous songs, “9 to 5.”
The tribute has already featured a familiar face.
Former Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne wore one of the special jerseys while visiting patients at Monroe Carell on Tuesday. Rinne also wore the jersey during a ceremonial puck drop that evening, ahead of his Hockey Hall of Fame induction. His autographed jersey is being auctioned separately, with bidding closing at the beginning of the third period Saturday.
The Preds Foundation will also hold a children’s book drive during Hometown Remix games, with donations benefiting Parton’s Imagination Library. Fans can drop off books at the Foundation’s table near sections 106 and 107. GELF representatives will also be on the concourse Saturday to share information about the organization’s mission and its efforts to promote childhood literacy.
“Dolly believed books could change a child’s life, and GELF is proud to carry her legacy forward as Tennessee’s statewide partner for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” James Pond, GELF’s president and CEO, said. “We’re grateful to the Nashville Predators for turning this tribute into action and invite all Tennesseans to join us in putting more books into the hands and homes of children across our state.”
The Predators will debut their Hometown Remix jerseys against the Blues on November 7, the first of 10 scheduled appearances for the alternate design during the 2026-27 season.
