08/29/2026
As the world remembers Dolly Parton, Order of Merit recipient Ron Holland (Alberta, ’70) shared a remarkable personal memory and the story behind this photograph of Dolly wearing Lambda Chi Alpha’s purple, green and gold.
Ron’s connection to Dolly began through his Epsilon-Rho Brother Robert “Bob” Hunka (Alberta, '69). After helping produce Procol Harum’s groundbreaking 1971 concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Bob launched a successful career in the music industry.
In 1974, while working on Emmylou Harris’ debut album in California, Bob assembled an extraordinary group of musicians and backup singers, including Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. The album was recorded at the Lania Lane property where Bob lived with producer Brian Ahern.
That same year, Ron was serving Epsilon-Rho as High Pi and created a new Chapter hockey jersey featuring Lambda Chi Alpha’s purple, green and gold. He had an extra jersey sent to Bob in Los Angeles.
Not long afterward, a package arrived for Ron. Inside was this photograph, taken by Bob at the Lania Lane property, of Dolly wearing the Epsilon-Rho jersey and bearing a personal inscription to Ron.
The story didn’t end there. In 1979, Ron arrived at a birthday gathering for Bob and found Dolly in the kitchen wearing an apron and carving chicken. Ron later hosted Dolly and the Hunka family for dinner and had the opportunity to visit with her several more times over the years.
Bob went on to build a distinguished career in film and television music, ultimately serving as senior vice president of music for Sony Pictures and Columbia TriStar Entertainment.
Thank you, Brother Holland, for sharing this special memory as we join millions around the world in remembering Dolly Parton and the joy she brought to so many.
