Legendary country singer Dolly Parton, who died at 80 on Aug. 25, left behind a legacy that extends beyond her music career. Parton was an 11-time Grammy winner, but she also dedicated much of her career to giving back to her community and fans.
In 1995, Parton created the Imagination Library, a program that provided free books to families of young readers from birth to age five, regardless of income.
“If every family, no matter their income, has a library at home for a young reader, then they are entering school already feeling comfortable with stories and reading,” English teacher Morgan King said.
Dolly’s contributions also extend to her East Tennessee community through Dollywood, an amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Parton created this to bring families closer together, to give back to her East Tennessee community, as well as to create local jobs in the Great Smoky Mountains area where she grew up.
“When I was in Dollywood, there was this video of her talking about butterflies and saying you just need to let it go and be free like butterflies”, Freshman Emma Prosser said.
Parton’s music has also remained an important part of her legacy and continues to connect families. At just five years old in 1951, she wrote her first song called “Little Tiny Tassel Top”. In 1967, she released her first-ever album titled “ Hello I’m Dolly”. Parton’s first Grammy came in 1979 for her song, “Here You Come Again”.
“I like her music because it’s very old-timey and country; we always listen to it with my dad, and it’s just a big part while we are riding around in the woods”, said Addie Walker, expressing how Dolly’s Music brings her family together.
