The airline will also support the hospital’s employee recognition program through monthly airfare donations to honorees
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today pledged $20,000 to the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. Gifted in memory of entertainer, philanthropist, and East Tennessee native Dolly Parton, the donation will support the late legend’s namesake hospital located near one of the biggest crew bases in the airline’s network: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).
In honor of the undeniable joy that Dolly brought to others, Allegiant will also support the hospital’s employee recognition program through the Daisy, Sunflower, Lily and Bee Awards. Awarded monthly, the program honors staff from various departments for their outstanding care to patients and families. The airline will supplement this program with an award of flight vouchers, which can be used towards roundtrip airfare on any Allegiant flight. The partnership recognizes the extraordinary compassion, dedication and heart that hospital employees bring to their work every day. Through this program, Allegiant is helping celebrate the people who make a meaningful difference in the lives of families during some of their most challenging moments, giving these exceptional employees the opportunity to take a well-deserved trip of their own.
“We at Allegiant are inspired in many ways by Dolly, who leaves behind a profound legacy of service,” said Robert Neal, President and Chief Financial Officer at Allegiant. “The people of East Tennessee have welcomed us into their community, and we believe being a good partner means finding meaningful ways to give back. The children’s hospital provides extraordinary care to children and families, and its employees generously give their time to support that mission. We are honored to recognize their service and support the hospital’s important work.”
Renamed after the singer in 2026, the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital is a 152-bed hospital certified by the state of Tennessee as one of four Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Centers in Tennessee and is accredited by the Joint Commission. As a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center, the hospital offers full capabilities to care for seriously ill children in a unique pediatric environment and offers the services of many different pediatric subspecialties.
“We value partners like Allegiant Air. Their support furthers our mission to improve the health of children across East Tennessee and beyond,” said Adam Cook, Chief Development and Public Affairs Officer for the hospital. “We are especially thankful to Allegiant for their generosity in memory of our namesake, Dolly Parton. Gifts like theirs allow Dolly Children’s to continue shining her light of love while also providing world-class care to our patients.”
Making travel possible for children facing serious medical issues is one of Allegiant’s core pillars of giving. The airline started service to Knoxville in 2006. The East Tennessee community quickly became a critical part of Allegiant’s network, so in 2018, the airline opened a crew base at the airport. The airline serves 23 markets from TYS.
Earlier this year, Allegiant announced the launch of a unique themed flight experience in partnership with Dollywood: Flight #925: Destination Dollywood. The flight, from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Knoxville (TYS) Nov. 6, is numbered as a tribute to Dolly Parton’s hit song “9 to 5.” It was so popular, Allegiant added a second Dollywood flight the same day: Flight #2-925. Those flights will continue to operate as scheduled.
“Giving back to the communities we serve is at the heart of who we are,” said Drew Wells, Chief Commercial Officer at Allegiant. “Our connection to East Tennessee runs deep and our planned special Dollywood flights are another reflection of that commitment. We’re honored to play a part in bringing families and visitors to this special community while supporting those who make it so meaningful.”
About Allegiant – Together We Fly™
Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places and experiences that matter most. Through Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines, the company serves approximately 22 million annual customers across scheduled passenger, charter and cargo operations. Together, the airlines operate more than 650 routes serving nearly 175 cities throughout the United States and select international destinations. Allegiant is committed to providing affordable travel options, operational excellence and long-term value for customers, employees, communities and shareholders. For more information, visit Allegiant.com.
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SOURCE Allegiant Travel Company
