Eagle released with Dolly's love

A bald eagle soared into the wild of the Smoky Mountains Thursday, with a little help from Sevier County's most famous native.

Dolly Parton hiked up a trail to do the honors.

"We've released many eagles here," said Al Cecere, president of the American Eagle Foundation, while pointing at a valley in Dandridge near Douglas Lake. "Probably 89 eagles since the mid 90s."

Bald eagle number 90 sat inside a cage waiting to be released. East Tennessee's own Dolly Parton suited up to introduce the youngster to its next home.

"Well, if you're looking for my wilderness shoes, here they are," said Parton as she exited the vehicle wearing high heels.

Dollywood has been a home to eagles for years. The theme park hosts the foundation's Eagle Mountain Sanctuary.

"Our part is our part, but everybody has to do theirs to make it work," said Parton.

Dolly's role Thursday was to let eagle number 90 soar as high as her personality.

"Don't let it get a hold of my hair, or he may fly off with it," Parton cracked when one of the foundation's eagles caused a scene during the ceremony.

The music icon also gave the bald eagle a name before it was released.

"Why don't we name it Liberty since we're talking about the coins and patriotic things. I thought that sounded better than Baldy," she said.

With its new name, Liberty was ready to fly. A tug of the rope cued the grand finale.

"I am not the star today," said Parton as Liberty flew into the mountains.

According to the foundation, in 1960, 400 nesting pairs of bald eagles lived in the lower 48 states. Today, there are more than 10,000 pairs.

Officials from the U.S. Mint joined Dolly at Thursday's eagle release. The mint showed off a new half-dollar that features the bald eagle 'Challenger'. That particular eagle has flown on the grounds of the White House, Pentagon, and U.S. Capitol.

The National Eagle Foundation is Challenger's caretaker. The U.S. Mint will sell Challenger's coin until December.