Royal Caribbean has announced the name of its next chief dog officer, naming its next onboard golden retriever after the late Dolly Parton.
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Dolly will sail aboard the forthcoming Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon-class vessel set to debut in summer 2027 out of PortMiami. Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley asked for help on social media in naming the newest canine chief.
After an initial vote, Royal Caribbean narrowed the options down to Hero, Scout, Marina, Pearl, Coco, Coral and Sandy. Dolly was added to the list by overwhelming demand.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the final results are in! The esteemed panel ratified the popular vote for the name most voted for! The Hero of the Seas’ new Chief Dog Officer’s name will be ‘Dolly,’” Bayley posted.
The superstar singer-songwriter died in August at 80 years old following a brief battle with cancer. Through her philanthropic work donating books to children and her chart-topping country hits, Parton touched the lives of millions around the world.
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Commenters on Bayley’s name announcement suggested adding a small library for kids on board the ship and naming Miley Cyrus as the ship’s godmother, as Parton was her godmother.
The cruise line introduced the title of chief dog officer with Icon of the Seas in 2024, which is now home to Rover. Sailor sails on Star of the Seas and Skipper on Legend of the Seas. The dogs live full-time on the ships, taking daily walks, greeting guests and acting as ambassadors of cuddles and fun.
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