John Ray Clemmons

Metro Nashville Police Department Lieutenant Mike Hotz received a state proclamation on Friday recognizing his intervention on a downtown bridge, where he talked down a stranger who was threatening to jump. The honor was presented during National Suicide Prevention Month at a Central Precinct evening shift roll call, surprising Hotz in front of his colleagues.

State Representative John Ray Clemmons presented the recognition, with the proclamation also signed by state House Speaker Cameron Sexton. MNPD officials used the occasion to highlight the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a 24/7 network of crisis centers offering free support by phone, text, or online chat at 988lifeline.org. Officials emphasized that help is available around the clock for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.

Tennessee lawmakers from both parties say they intend to honor Dolly Parton during the legislative session beginning next January, though no formal plan has been agreed upon. House Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary and Rep. John Ray Clemmons said leadership will consult Parton's family and friends before advancing any proposal, describing her as a unifying figure even in death.

The legislature has weighed tributes before: a 2021 bill to erect a Parton statue at the Capitol won rare bipartisan backing but was withdrawn after Parton herself asked lawmakers to hold off, citing pandemic-era timing, while suggesting she might welcome the honor "down the road." Individual lawmakers have since floated ideas, including designating September 25 as "9 to 5 Day" and renaming Nashville International Airport after Parton, a proposal from Rep. Todd Warner, who previously pushed to name the airport after President Trump. Leadership says a unified proposal is still being developed.

Parton died at age 80, prompting national tributes, including President Trump's order to lower U.S. flags to half-staff and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey's matching proclamation honoring her career and philanthropy, including her Imagination Library literacy program.