The Viral Dollywood Moment That Proved Music Can Heal — Meet Roe Roe and Her Hero

In a moving encounter that has captured hearts across the nation, Dolly Parton recently met 8-year-old Pearl Monroe Tucker—known affectionately as Roe Roe—at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This touching meeting was more than a fan moment; it was a powerful testament to the healing strength of music amid life’s toughest battles.

The scene unfolded during Dollywood’s 39th opening weekend at the Heartsong Resort in March 2024. Dolly noticed Roe Roe and her 10-year-old sister, Carson Parry, holding homemade signs—Roe Roe’s declaring, “Dolly, your music helped me beat cancer,” and Carson’s reading, “I’m the best big sister.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Dolly stopped, embraced Roe Roe, and gently asked, “You’re all right now?” before bursting into joyful celebration, “Oh, I’m so happy for you!”

Roe Roe’s journey has been a long and difficult one. Diagnosed at just 3 years old with acute lymphocytic leukemia, she endured 858 grueling days of treatment.

Her battle included nearly 1,400 chemotherapy pills, multiple spinal infusions, hospital stays, ER visits, and surgeries. Throughout those harrowing times, Dolly Parton’s songs—particularly “Chemo Hero” and “I’m A Brave Little Soldier”—became lifelines of comfort and strength for Roe Roe and her family.

The emotional encounter was captured on video by Roe Roe’s father, Chad Tucker, a FOX8 WGHP news anchor, and quickly went viral on Instagram. The clip spread rapidly, inspiring millions and shining a spotlight on the resilience of children fighting cancer and the profound role music can play in healing.

Beyond sharing their story, the Tucker family has taken action inspired by Dolly’s Imagination Library. They founded “The Hero Library” through their Roe Roe’s Heroes Childhood Cancer Foundation, providing comforting children’s books to young cancer patients as a source of hope and distraction during treatment.

Chad Tucker’s visible advocacy—marked by his signature yellow ties on air—also pushes for increased funding and research in childhood cancer, a critical cause given that only 5% of federal research dollars currently go toward curing these diseases.

This heartfelt moment at Dollywood exemplifies Dolly Parton’s extraordinary legacy—not just as a musical legend but as a beacon of compassion and inspiration. Her philanthropy and genuine connection with fans create lasting impacts that reach far beyond her songs.

As of May 2025, Roe Roe’s story continues to inspire families, caregivers, and communities nationwide. It is a powerful reminder of the remarkable strength found in music, family, and the human spirit—a reminder that sometimes, a song can be much more than just a melody.