Tennessee could be singing a beloved Christian song as their official state hymn.

A bill proposed by Lawmakers this month proposes to make Dolly Parton's rendition of "Amazing Grace" the official hymn of Tennessee.

Rep. Mike Sparks and Sen. Raumesh Akbari introduced the bipartisan bill. The bill describes Parton's version of the hymn as among the "songs of history significance that have influenced this state," WVLT-TV and CBN News reports.

The humn was first published in 1779. It's lyrics were written in 1772 by John Newton, an English poet and clergy member.

"Amazing Grace" tells the story of Newton's journey to faith in Christ. The poet worked on a slave trade ship in the 1700s, eventually realizing the atrocity of slavery after converting to Christianity. Newton eventually became an abolitionist.

The song has long been regarded as a significant Christian hymn and has been performed by a long list of recording artists that includes Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Reba McEntire, and John Legend.

The bill calls the hymn "one of the most celebrated songs in modern history," and references Newton's journey of faith and stance against slavery.

This new bill is proposed shortly after Parton asked for the dismissal of a different Tennessee bill that called for a statue of her to be erected on the Nashville state capital grounds.

Parton says the gesture was honouring and humbling, but did not think it was appropriate at this time.