A Fan’s Tribute to Dolly Parton at a Washington Nationals Game

On the day Dolly Parton passed away, a fan captured the attention of many at a Washington Nationals game by wearing a vibrant striped jersey featuring a portrait of the iconic singer. The jersey, designed by the Nashville Dollys, a Sandlot baseball team based in Tennessee, showcased Dolly’s signature smile and her poofy blond hair. The fan’s choice of attire sparked a viral moment, highlighting the deep connection between the legendary singer and her fans.

Ben Montalbano, the founder of the Nashville Dollys, expressed his surprise and admiration for seeing the jersey he created being worn in such a public setting. “It’s crazy,” he said, reflecting on the impact of his design. Montalbano, who established the team in 2019, has always been passionate about both baseball and music, which led him to create the unique jerseys that honor Dolly Parton.

The Inspiration Behind the Jersey

Montalbano was inspired by the Houston Astros’ tequila sunrise uniforms, which he adapted to reflect Dolly’s signature style. He swapped the orange and yellow stripes for teal to represent her eyeshadow and pink for her lipstick. This creative approach not only pays tribute to Dolly but also adds a distinctive flair to the team’s identity.

Even before the special tribute, Montalbano often received messages from fans across the country about spotting a Dollys jersey. “People love those jerseys,” he said. “No one like her. Not one person like her.” This sentiment reflects the widespread admiration for Dolly Parton, whose influence extends beyond music into various aspects of popular culture.

The Journey of the Nashville Dollys

Montalbano’s journey with the Nashville Dollys began in 2018 when he moved to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry. His passion for baseball had always been a part of his life, and he found a community through Sandlot Revolution baseball, a league that emphasized inclusivity and joy.

“I kind of stumbled into this whole world that was really starting to grow,” Montalbano explained. “I really wanted to start my own team. The ethos of Sandlot is inclusivity, joy, play for play’s sake, Americana, not taking yourself too seriously.”

Parallels Between Dolly Parton and the Team

The values of the Sandlot league resonated with Montalbano, as they mirrored the qualities that Dolly Parton embodied. Known for her hit songs, bubbly personality, and generous philanthropy, Dolly’s Imagination Library program has provided millions of free books to children in underprivileged communities. Montalbano saw a connection between these values and the spirit of the league.

“One of the original Sandlot teams, the Texas Playboys, also has a music-inspired name based off Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys,” Montalbano noted. “My mind immediately went to Dolly, and the first team name I thought, it was the Nashville Dollys. That’s kind of how it started, and it just grew organically.”

Embracing a New Perspective

Montalbano admitted that he didn’t grow up listening to country music. However, moving to Nashville helped him understand the significance of Dolly Parton’s contributions. “She’s just such a cultural icon,” he said, acknowledging his previous naivety about the genre.

Despite not being a traditional country fan, Montalbano has developed a deep appreciation for Dolly’s music. “I ended up falling into a folk tradition that obviously Dolly had a huge influence on,” he said. “I really just fell in love with that style and timbre of instruments and music, especially like her older records.”

A Full Circle Moment

Now, Montalbano’s life has come full circle, bringing together his passions for baseball and music. The Dollys have been playing baseball for seven years, with a full roster of 30 players and a growing presence across the country. “I never thought that a baseball team inspired by Dolly Parton would be such a huge part of my life,” he said, emphasizing the strong bonds formed within the team.

Honoring Dolly Parton’s Legacy

The Dollys have already celebrated Dolly Parton while she was alive, and now, Montalbano encourages fans to continue her legacy of generosity. “I really want to double click into our community giving back,” he said, expressing his desire to support initiatives that show kindness to those in need.

As the Nashville Dollys continue to honor Dolly Parton’s memory, their story serves as a testament to the enduring impact of a cultural icon. Through their unique blend of baseball and music, the team not only celebrates Dolly’s legacy but also inspires others to embrace joy, inclusivity, and community.