Volunteer State lawmakers look to honor "songs of historic significance that have influenced the [state]" Recently, Dolly Parton turned down being honored via a statue at the Tennessee State Legislature’s chambers in Nashville. However, that has not stopped Volunteer State lawmakers Rep. Mike Sparks and Sen. Raumesh Akbari from introducing a house bill in Tennessee’s state legislature that would make Dolly Parton’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” the state’s official hymn. According to Bill HB0938, Parton’s take on the religious anthem penned by abolitionist John Henry Newman is a “song of historical significance that [has] influenced the state of Tennessee,” having been recorded by the likes of “artists with strong connections to Tennessee, including Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Tennessee Ernie Ford, the Spirit of Memphis Quartet, the Fairfield Four, Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, the Oak Ridge Boys, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, and Garth Brooks.”