Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)
Honoring the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, a daughter of Tennessee whose extraordinary contributions to music, philanthropy, literacy, education, health, conservation, and culture enriched the lives of countless Americans.
A Republican resolution with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution honors the life and legacy of Dolly Parton following her passing on August 25, 2026. It recognizes her massive contributions to music, philanthropy, and culture in the United States and her home state of Tennessee. The text highlights her various charitable endeavors, including literacy programs, health care support, and disaster relief. It also notes her role in creating jobs through the establishment of Dollywood. Ultimately, the House of Representatives intends to mourn her passing and recognize her enduring service to the American people.
Yes· 3 of 16
- Scored +7
Would children be better off under this?
The text highlights significant work in childhood literacy through the Imagination Library.
- Scored +6
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
The text details substantial financial support for disaster relief following wildfires and Hurricane Helene.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The text mentions providing free books regardless of family income and disaster relief.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Educational Opportunities: The establishment of the Dollywood Foundation and the Buddy Program provided financial awards to students to encourage them to stay in school and graduate (Whereas clause 9).
-
Literacy Access: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age 5, regardless of family income (Whereas clause 10).
-
Economic Growth and Employment: The opening of Dollywood created jobs and established a premier tourist destination that draws millions of visitors to the region (Whereas clause 8).
-
Health Care and Medical Research Support: Donations were made to help establish the Dolly Parton Center for Women's Services in Sevier County, support the Pediatric Cancer Program at Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, and fund pediatric infectious disease research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Whereas clauses 14, 15, and 16).
-
Disaster Recovery Assistance: The My People Fund provided direct financial assistance and scholarships to families displaced by the 2016 Sevier County wildfires (Whereas clause 19). Additionally, more than $2,000,000 was committed to support relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in 2024 (Whereas clause 20).
-
Wildlife Conservation: Through a partnership with the American Eagle Foundation, efforts were made to conserve and understand bald eagles and other birds of prey (Whereas clause 17).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are identified in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The text highlights significant work in childhood literacy through the Imagination Library. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The text mentions providing free books regardless of family income and disaster relief. Would students be better off under this? — The resolution highlights educational support through the Buddy Program and scholarships. Would women be better off under this? — The text highlights the establishment of a center for women's services. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill recognizes contributions starting in rural Tennessee that benefited many communities. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The resolution mentions scholarships for graduating seniors.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The text details substantial financial support for disaster relief following wildfires and Hurricane Helene. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The text mentions a significant partnership for wildlife conservation of bald eagles and other birds. Does this invest in rural communities? — The text highlights how philanthropy started in a rural community and impacted many areas.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The resolution highlights significant philanthropic support for women's health services and pediatric care. Does this put more money into medical research? — Donations supported pediatric infectious disease research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The text notes that the establishment of Dollywood created significant jobs in the region. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The development of Dollywood as a premier tourist destination promotes regional economic growth.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The text notes significant donations toward pediatric infectious disease research. Does this make college cost less? — The resolution mentions providing financial awards and scholarships to students.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Philanthropic efforts provided financial assistance to families displaced by wildfires.
- 9/2/2026
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
Tim BurchettRepublican · Tennessee
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Scott DesJarlaisRepublican · Tennessee
Charles FleischmannRepublican · Tennessee
David KustoffRepublican · Tennessee
Andrew OglesRepublican · Tennessee
John RoseRepublican · Tennessee
Matt Van EppsRepublican · Tennessee