Dolly Parton surprises Knoxville marching band with a special 'thank you' for playing her songs

Marching band students at a Knoxville school were surprised this week with a special thank you message from a country music icon.

Dolly Parton got word that the Hardin Valley Academy marching band were performing her songs and she wanted to personally thank them. 

The marching band is playing some of Parton’s songs for their halftime show that includes a medley of tunes featuring “God Only Knows” and “Jolene.”

In the video she sent to students, Parton says, "Thank you so much for honoring me in this way. I know it's going to sound great....Have fun playing my songs, I had fun writing them for you."

The video also shows the students watching the message in an auditorium. The band members go wild with cheers - and some tears - in response to the surprise thank you from Parton.

Watch Dolly Parton's message to Hardin Valley Academy marching band

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