A statue honoring a Ku Klux Klan (KKK) leader at the Tennessee Capitol could be replaced by a statue of the great Dolly Parton.
The statue of former KKK leader and Confederate soldier Nathan Bedford Forrest has called the Tennessee Capitol home for the past 40 years, according to a report published Friday by ABC3340.
A statue of former KKK leader and Confederate soldier Nathan Bedford Forrest that has been in the Tennessee capitol for over 40 years could be replaced by Dolly Parton. https://t.co/ZOjuG4HRkS
— Yashar Ali ???? (@yashar) June 15, 2020
Lawmakers are reportedly looking to replace the statue and Parton’s name was tossed into the running, ABC3340 reported.
Republican Tennessee State Rep. Jeremy Faison reportedly first brought up the idea of removing the statue of Forrest last December. He suggested Parton because of her contributions as a role model locally and nationally. (RELATED: Dolly Parton Sends Special Thank You Message To Tennessee National Guard Amid Coronavirus Pandemic)
“If we want to preserve history, then let’s tell it the right way,” Faison said, ABC3340 reported. “How about getting a lady in there? My daughter is 16, and I would love for her to come into the Capitol and see a lady up there… What’s wrong with someone like Dolly Parton being put in that alcove?”
I love this idea. Faison isn’t wrong. Parton is a huge role model for so many all across the country and she should be recognized and honored for her contributions to Tennessee and America. Parton is so community oriented and shows up for Tennessee in the best ways when needed.
This would be a great step for Tennessee.