Tennessee lawmakers vote to make Dolly Parton's version of 'Amazing Grace' state hymn

[DonViejo]

BY ARIS FOLLEY - 04/11/21 10:24 AM EDT

The Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to pass legislation to make Dolly Parton’s version of “Amazing Grace” the state's official hymn.

The bill, which local media reports passed the state chamber in 91-1 vote this past week, would amend a portion of the Tennessee Code regarding state symbols to make the song as recorded by Parton the state’s official hymn.

The legislation, introduced by state Rep. Mike Sparks (R) and state Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D), would take effect immediately upon becoming law. The bill now awaits consideration in the state Senate.

In the bill's text, lawmakers pointed to the historical significance of the song, which John Newton wrote in the 1760s, as well as the former English slave ship captain turned abolitionist’s past.

more
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/547566-tennessee-lawmakers-vote-to-make-dolly-partons-amazing-grace-state-song

[edhopper]

1. The State should not have a hymn

And as beautiful as Amazing Grace and Dolly's version is (I prefer Judy Collins) it is a strictly Christian song and has no place to be official anything.

[Arkansas Granny]

3. As much as I love Dolly, I'm with you on both points.

A state should not have a "state hymn" and I prefer Judy Collins rendition of the song, as well.

[LisaM]

8. Judy Collins isn't from Tennessee.

I don't really think they should have a state hymn, either, but if they are going to choose a recorded version of a song for their hymn, I can see why they chose one done by a Tennessean.

[edhopper]

9. That wasn't the point

just an aside that we like Judy better. Not they should choose her. They shouldn't choose any version.

[LisaM]

10. Oh, good grief.

I like lots of versions, including the bagpipe one by the Black Watch, but you can see why they would pick one (not that they should, we all agree on that) with a Tennessee connection.

Anyway, the joke is on the legislators, because Dolly is inclusive, pro gay rights, supports environmental causes, and donated money for the vaccine, none of which seem to fit with how I see the Tennessee state legislature.

[edhopper]

11. Good grief right back

no one was arguing about the version they choose. Just saying we liked another personally. It had nothing to do with the criticism of this bad idea.

[RKP5637]

6. Piece by piece, they are intent on eliminating the separation of church and state. Apparently, they

want to ensure the US is fucked up in every way possible. Most don't know shit about the founding of this country.

[machoneman]

2. So, what does Dolly say? Hope she says no. TN legislators are total goons and losers. Maybe...

she can trade her approval for a commitment for them to stop legislation that hurts minorities, gays, the poor and more. Whatdathink?

[RKP5637]

4. K&R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! n/t

[Goodheart]

5. wtf is wrong with Dolly's "Rocky Top"?

[XanaDUer2]

7. Is the state hymn different from the state song?

why is there a state hymn? Does every state have a hymn? This is weird