A beloved grandmother killed by a rising country singer’s truck was a top Tennessee lawyer and longtime women’s rights advocate.
Dorothy ‘Dot’ Dobbins, 77, was walking her dog in a marked crosswalk near her Nashville home on Sunday when she was hit by 24-year-old musician Conner Smith, authorities have confirmed.
Cops said Smith failed to yield the right of way as Dobbins crossed the street.
They added he was not under the influence or distracted at the time of the crash and, as of Tuesday afternoon, no charges have been filed.
While it was originally claimed she was a dog walker, her neice confirmed she was walking her own dog.
The investigation is ongoing.
Local residents fear it was a tragic accident on a notoriously busy road and are calling for improved safety measures, according to WZTV Nashville.
Dobbins was a partner at Dobbins, Venick, Kuhn & Byassee and had recently retired after a long and celebrated legal career.
She co-founded the Lawyers’ Association for Women in Nashville and, according to the Tennessee Bar Association, helped launch a women’s center at Scarritt-Bennett and played a key role in opening Nashville’s first domestic violence shelter through the YWCA.
Dorothy ‘Dot’ Dobbins, 77, was walking her dog in a marked crosswalk near her Nashville home on Sunday when she was hit by 24-year-old musician Conner Smith, authorities have confirmed. It is unclear whether or not the dog survived.
Dobbins was a retired family lawyer, co-founder of the Lawyers’ Association for Women, and a longtime domestic violence advocate who helped establish Nashville’s first shelter for abused women
Her family shared new photographs showing Dobbins smiling with a birthday cake and completing a jigsaw puzzle, enjoying her time as a grandmother of four
Online profiles note she specialized in ‘Divorce, collaborative family practice, and alimony cases.’
She leaves behind a daughter, a nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where Dobbins was rushed after the crash and later died.
Her family shared new photographs showing Dobbins smiling with a birthday cake and completing a jigsaw puzzle, enjoying her time as a grandmother of four.
In a moving Facebook post, her niece wrote: ‘I’m devastated to share that my aunt, Dot Dobbins, was killed in an accident last night while walking her dog.
‘We are in total shock and fully heartbroken. Dot was incredibly active and healthy, enjoying her retirement to the fullest.
‘We are still finding our footing but my family has been overwhelmed with love and support. I’m so grateful.
‘There is so much more to say about Dot, the incredible work she did, her role as D-Dot to 4 grand boys she doted on, and the both famous and infamous recipes she brought to every family event.
‘For now I just want to thank you for the love and light being sent to the entire Dobbins family. … We need it.’
The YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee also paid tribute on Facebook, remembering Dobbins as a ‘tireless advocate for justice and a fierce champion for women and families.’
Scene where Dorothy Dobbins and her dog were struck by a vehicle
Smith, 24, was not impaired or distracted, and no charges have been filed as of Tuesday
Smith’s attorney said he is cooperating fully with the investigation
‘She joined us each year for our Past Board Chair Luncheon—most recently in September 2024—and remained a steadfast supporter of our mission throughout her life,’ they wrote.
‘Dot played a pivotal role in advancing domestic violence awareness in Nashville…Her career reflected the same commitment to equity and compassion.’
Conner Smith’s attorney released a statement to TMZ, saying: ‘On June 8th, Mr. Smith was involved in a car accident that tragically claimed a life. His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Mr. Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.’
Just days before the fatal crash, Smith had performed at CMA Fest 2025, where he sang alongside fellow artist Dylan Marlowe.
In his most recent Instagram post before Dobbins’ death, Smith wrote: ‘Hometown hits different.’
An earlier video, shared weeks before the accident, showed the singer behind the wheel of his truck singing as he filmed himself driving.
Smith rose to fame with his viral TikTok hit I Hate Alabama in 2021.
He released his debut album Smoky Mountains in January 2024 and is slated to tour across the U.S. this summer.
He is currently scheduled to perform in Fort Myers, Florida; Akron, Ohio; and Columbus, Ohio later this month.
His team has not yet commented on whether the shows will proceed.
