Dolly Parton is being remembered not only as a legendary entertainer but also as a woman whose generosity touched countless lives.
Throughout her remarkable career, Parton repeatedly used her success and influence to support children, families, workers and communities in need.
Here are six examples of the impact associated with her philanthropic work:
1. Supporting students in her hometown
Parton has long supported education and young people in her native Tennessee, helping students pursue opportunities beyond high school.
2. Putting books into children’s hands
Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, she helped provide hundreds of millions of free books to children. The programme became one of her most celebrated contributions to childhood literacy.
3. Supporting COVID-19 research
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre to support research that contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.
4. Investing in Dollywood employees
Her businesses have also emphasised education. Dollywood introduced programmes that provide employees with access to fully funded education opportunities.
5. Helping families affected by wildfires
Following the devastating Tennessee wildfires, Parton provided financial assistance to affected families through her charitable efforts, helping people begin rebuilding their lives.
6. Protecting injured bald eagles: Parton and Dollywood have also supported conservation efforts, including the American Eagle Foundation’s bald eagle sanctuary, which cares for injured and non-releasable birds.
From education and literacy to disaster relief, healthcare and wildlife conservation, Dolly Parton has demonstrated that fame can be used for more than entertainment.
Her songs made the world sing, but her generosity helped make the world a little better for many people.