A GRANDMOTHER killed when a rising country star hit her with his truck was a celebrated lawyer and domestic violence advocate enjoying her retirement, The U.S. Sun can reveal.
Musician Conner Smith, 24, hit dog walker Dorothy Dobbins, 77, as she was crossing the road in Nashville on Sunday, authorities have confirmed.
Country music star Conner Smith posted a video of himself behind the wheel days before the crash[/caption]
Dorothy Dobbins was hit by a pickup truck around 7.30 pm on Sunday on 3rd Avenue North near Van Buren Street, Germantown[/caption]
The grandmother’s family shared sweet photographs of her completing a puzzle during her retirement[/caption]
Smith failed to yield right of way to Dobbins as she used a marked crosswalk near her home, cops said.
Police have not filed charges as of Tuesday afternoon and say the singer was not under the influence or distracted when driving his Chevrolet Silverado.
Residents fear it was a tragic accident at the marked crossing and are appealing for change on the busy road, according to WZTV Nashville.
The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal Dobbins was a successful lawyer and partner at Dobbins, Venick, Kuhn & Byassee before her recent retirement.
She was a founder of the Lawyers’ Association for Women in Nashville.
Online profiles reveal she specialized in, “Divorce, collaborative family practice, and alimony cases.”
The U.S. Sun can also confirm Dobbins leaves behind a daughter, who works as a nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where her mother was transported before she died.
New photographs shared by her family show the grandma of four smiling with birthday cake and completing a puzzle as she enjoyed her time with family.
Her niece shared a statement on Facebook mourning the beloved grandmother.
“I’m devastated to share that my aunt, Dot Dobbins, was killed in an accident last night while walking her dog,” she wrote.
“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.”
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee also shared on Facebook that Dobbins was chair of their board of directors in the late 1970s.
They described her as a “tireless advocate for justice and a fierce champion for women and families.”
“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 explained.
“Dot played a pivotal role in advancing domestic violence awareness in Nashville.
“As a Vanderbilt Law student, she helped launch a women’s center at Scarritt Bennett and joined the YWCA Board, where she helped establish the city’s first domestic violence shelter.
“Her career reflected the same commitment to equity and compassion.”
SMITH’S STATEMENT
Police said the investigation into her death remains ongoing and Smith’s lawyer released a statement to TMZ.
“On June 8th, Mr. Smith was involved in a car accident that tragically claimed a life,” they said.
“His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time.
“Mr. Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.”
Before the tragic crash at the weekend, singer Smith performed at the CMA Fest 2025 event in the city.
He was pictured singing alongside fellow singer-songwriter Dylan Marlowe.
His last Instagram post before Dobbin’s death was positive as he wrote, “Hometown hits different.”
An earlier post saw him singing along while he was being filmed driving a few days before the accident.
Smith shot to fame after his 2021 track I Hate Alabama became a viral hit on TikTok.
He released his first album Smoky Mountains in January 2024 and was set to tour across the US this summer.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to his rep regarding future dates in Fort Myers, Florida; Akron, Ohio; and Columbus, Ohio, scheduled for later this month.
Dorothy Dobbins was crossing the street on a marked crosswalk when she was hit, police said[/caption]
Singer Conner Smith performs during day 3 of the Stagecoach Music Festival in April 2025 in Indio, California[/caption]
