Dolly Parton, the legendary American singer, songwriter, and actress, is well-known for her music and philanthropic work.
Over the years, she has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, health, and disaster relief. Through her efforts to help others, she has become one of the most beloved celebs in the industry.
Below are 7 amazing ways she’s making the world a better place for a lot of people:
1. Initiated a book gifting program
One of Dolly Parton’s most notable charitable efforts is the Imagination Library. It’s a book-gifting program that sends free books to children from birth to age five, regardless of their family’s income.
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The program began in Sevier County, Tennessee, which happens to be Dolly’s hometown. Since its start in 1995, it has expanded to other parts of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Dolly ‘s inspiration for the Imagination Library came from her own childhood.
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2. Showed support to the bald eagle
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Dolly’s love for the bald eagle didn’t end with her efforts to raise awareness and make a donation. She also collaborated with the American Eagle Foundation to create a unique opportunity for visitors to her theme park, Dollywood.
Together, Dolly and the American Eagle Foundation created a stunning habitat for a pair of bald eagles, where visitors could see the birds up close and learn more about their lives and conservation efforts. The eagles, named Independence and Franklin, quickly became beloved fixtures of Dollywood, inspiring visitors with their beauty and resilience.
But Dolly’s efforts didn’t stop there. She continued to support the American Eagle Foundation’s work through fundraising initiatives and special events at Dollywood.
3. Sent help to the black community
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Dolly is always eager to help those in need, and when she learned about a predominantly black neighborhood in Nashville that had been devastated by a natural disaster, she knew she had to do something to make a difference.
One of the biggest challenges facing the neighborhood was a lack of resources and job opportunities, which made it difficult for residents to rebuild their lives. So Dolly decided to use the royalties from her iconic song “I Will Always Love You” to fund the construction of a new strip mall in the heart of the community.
4. Reached out to help the victims of the Gatlinburg Fire
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When the devastating wildfires swept through Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in 2016, Dolly was one of the people who reached out for help. She wasted no time in springing into action, organizing a benefit concert to raise money for those who had lost their homes and businesses in the fire.
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The concert, which featured a lineup of some of the biggest names in country music, was a huge success, raising millions of dollars for the victims of the disaster.
But Dolly’s support didn’t end there. She also launched the “My People Fund,” which provided monthly assistance to families who had lost their homes in the fire.
5. Provided free college tuition for all her Dollywood employees
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Dolly’s commitment to education and her employees was evident when she announced that all Dollywood employees, both full-time and part-time, would be eligible for free college tuition. This incredible gesture demonstrated her unwavering dedication to her employees and their future. She provided them with a valuable opportunity to further their education and achieve their dreams.
6. Started The Buddy Program
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Dolly’s Buddy Program incentivized kids to finish high school by pairing them with volunteer mentors who provided academic and emotional support. This program helped students stay on track, develop positive relationships, and set goals for their future.
Dolly’s commitment to education and community-building was evident through this initiative, which helped young people overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. The Buddy Program was a huge success, and many students who participated went on to graduate high school and pursue higher education.
7. Donated to COVID research
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She donated $1 million to COVID-19 vaccine research at Vanderbilt University, demonstrating her commitment to helping others during the pandemic. Her generosity and philanthropy inspired many others to join in the fight against COVID-19 and showed that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in times of crisis.
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Click the video below to hear about some of Dolly’s other good deeds!
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