Bobby Bones
American radio and television personality and double New York Times Best-selling author Bobby Estell, professionally known as Bobby Bones, will receive an honorary doctorate from the U of A at the All-University Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 14 at Bud Walton Arena.
Although he was unable to attend the U of A due to financial and family circumstances early in his life, Estell is one of the most recognizable and staunch supporters of the university and its mission. .
His nationally broadcast radio program can be heard across the country and his books have been bestsellers. Estell’s passion, dedication and philanthropy for the benefit of the University of Alberta and her home state have only grown over the years.
“Attending the University of Arkansas was out of my reach growing up, and I never could have imagined something like this would ever happen,” Estell said. “I’ve always been a devoted, and maybe even hateful, fan and supporter of Razorback. I’m grateful to everyone at the University of Arkansas, and I just hope they don’t change. of opinion.”
BOBBY ESTELL
Bobby Estell, a native of Arkansas and longtime Razorback supporter, is well known for hosting the The Bobby Bones Showa nationally syndicated show heard on more than 180 radio stations across the country. The Bobby Bones Showthe nation’s most-listened to country music show, is a regular interview for country music stars and celebrities.
Estell was born in Hot Springs and raised in the small community of Mountain Pine by his mother and maternal grandmother. His biological father was with him until he was five, but then left the family.
From an early age, Estell dreamed of a career in radio as a way to escape child poverty and began his radio career in central Arkansas on 105.9 KLAZ.
In addition to her highly successful radio show, Estell has found a place in nearly every corner of the entertainment world. With his platform, he continued to promote both the U of A and Arkansas State.
Described as a “renegade” of the media by the New York Times, Estell’s radio show has millions of daily listeners. He is also the host and executive producer of the National Geographic television series, Break Bobby’s bones.
Estell also served as an internal mentor on ABC american idol for four seasons and is the host and executive producer of Opry, a weekly television program featuring exclusive highlights from the Grand Ole Opry stage each week. Estell was also the winner of season 27 of Dancing with the stars.
He is the youngest inductee into the National Radio Hall of Fame and has won the CMA Award twice and the ACM Award four times. Estell has also found a niche in the book industry, authoring two New York Times No. 1 bestseller, I’m not alone if you read this book and Fail until you don’t. He currently has a children’s book on the way titled A dog named Stanley.
Estell’s upbringing not only impacted him professionally, but also inspired him to help others, especially in Arkansas.
He is a major benefactor of the Razorback Foundation as a member of “Cardinal and White”, the organization’s main giving initiative to support student-athlete scholarships and other expenses. Estell also purchases shoes for the children of the Mountain Pine basketball team as well as the school’s football uniforms and awards annual scholarships to selected students.
Estell has raised over $16.25 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and he has also led charitable efforts for multiple causes, including natural disaster relief, COVID-19, frontline workers, veteran care and support, etc. He has also partnered with Purina to raise awareness of the benefits of service dogs to help veterans with PTSD and other post-combat challenges.
Estell currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife, Caitlin Parker.
About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas’ flagship institution, the U of A offers an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to the Arkansas economy through teaching new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and employment development, discovery through research and creative activity while providing training in professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation ranks the U of A among the few American colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. US News and World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. Learn how the U of A is working to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.
