In a beautiful moment that’s taken the internet by storm, country legend Dolly Parton met 8-year-old Pearl Monroe Tucker—lovingly called Roe Roe—during Dollywood’s 39th season opening in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. What unfolded wasn’t just a cute fan encounter; it became a national symbol of music’s power to heal, love’s ability to uplift, and the courage of a little girl battling cancer with the strength of a warrior.
Wearing matching smiles and colorful dresses, Roe Roe and her older sister Carson Parry stood outside the HeartSong Resort holding a homemade sign that read, “Dolly, your music helped me BEAT CANCER!!” The words, scrawled in rainbow markers, caught Dolly’s eye. What happened next melted hearts: the singer walked right over, knelt beside Roe Roe, and wrapped her arms around her. Cameras clicked, tears flowed, and the world stopped to witness a real-life fairytale.
Diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at just 3 years old, Roe Roe endured more than 850 days of grueling treatment—chemo, spinal infusions, surgeries, and hospital stays. Through it all, Dolly Parton’s songs became her soundtrack of survival. Tracks like “Chemo Hero” and “I’m A Brave Little Soldier” weren’t just tunes—they were battle cries, offering courage when medicine couldn’t.
The moment was captured on video by Roe Roe’s father, FOX8 news anchor Chad Tucker, and quickly went viral. But it wasn’t just the sweet hug that touched people—it was Roe Roe’s infectious joy and unshakable strength. Online, thousands of comments poured in, praising the little girl for reminding the world what resilience and hope look like.
Inspired by the experience and Dolly’s advocacy for literacy and children, the Tucker family launched a new mission. Through “The Hero Library” under the Roe Roe’s Heroes Childhood Cancer Foundation, they now donate comforting children’s books to cancer patients. Their goal? To help kids escape the hospital room—if only in their imagination—for a few chapters at a time.
Chad Tucker, known for wearing yellow ties on air in honor of childhood cancer awareness, has also become a vocal advocate for funding pediatric research. With only 5% of federal cancer research funding going toward children, their cause has struck a chord with families across the country.
This unforgettable day at Dollywood didn’t just showcase Dolly Parton’s incredible heart—it reminded the world why she’s more than a music icon. Her empathy, connection to fans, and ability to turn moments into movements proves her legacy reaches far beyond the stage.
As Roe Roe’s journey continues, her story shines as a beacon of strength and healing. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, a melody sung from the heart can carry more power than any medicine—and that a hug from a hero can change everything.
