Dolly Parton, a name that resonates with country music lovers young and old. With her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, she has captured the hearts of millions. But Dolly’s contributions go far beyond the world of music. She is an actress, author, businesswoman, and most importantly, a humanitarian.
Growing up in Pitman Center, Tennessee, Dolly experienced a childhood many would consider difficult. Her family lived in a one-room cabin by the Little Pigeon River. Her father was an illiterate sharecropper, and her mother, of Welsh ancestry, entertained them with stories and ballads. Despite their humble beginnings, Dolly never felt poor. Her parents always made sure they had food, shelter, and clothes. They taught her to appreciate what they had and reminded her of those who were less fortunate.
Dolly’s childhood was filled with hardships. With barely enough room in their cabin, the family spent most of their time outdoors. It wasn’t until she visited her aunt’s house at the age of eight that she saw her first toilet. The sight was both terrifying and fascinating to her. Dolly once shared, “I just thought it was going to suck us right down.”
Life in the cabin meant washing once a week with soap the family made themselves. However, in high school, Dolly had to wash every day because they all slept together, and the kids would accidentally pee on her at night. Despite these challenges, Dolly looks back on her childhood with fondness and appreciates the lessons it taught her.
Family has always been a driving force in Dolly’s life, influencing her music and her actions. She cherishes the love and support they provided, and it reflects in everything she does. As she says, “It gets lost in the shuffle sometimes, but there is an element of family in everything I do.”
Despite her fame and success, Dolly remains humble and incredibly generous. With an estimated net worth of $375 million, she has dedicated herself to giving back to those in need. In 1988, she established the Dollywood Foundation, initially providing scholarships to students at her former high school. The foundation has since expanded, offering opportunities to students from other schools and supporting deserving teachers.
One of the foundation’s most remarkable programs is the Imagination Library, which started in 1995 as a tribute to Dolly’s father. It began in Tennessee and now reaches all 50 states, delivering around 1.3 million books to nearly two million children each month. Dolly spoke with NPR when the initiative reached its 100 millionth book milestone, expressing her astonishment at how it had grown beyond her expectations.
In times of crisis, Dolly has been quick to step up and lend a helping hand. Her My People Fund, established after the devastating Great Smoky Mountains wildfires in 2016, raised over $9 million to assist 900 families affected by the disaster. Additionally, she generously donated to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support leukemia treatment after her niece’s successful battle with the disease.
But Dolly’s generosity doesn’t stop there. She has supported various charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross, HIV/AIDS charities, and animal rights organizations. In 2020, she became an advocate for Covid vaccines and played a significant role in the development of the Moderna vaccine with her $1 million contribution.
For Dolly, giving comes naturally. She describes it as an addiction, knowing that she is making a difference in the lives of others. Her compassion is an inspiration to us all, reminding us to be grateful for what we have and to lend a helping hand to those in need.
The world is a better place because of Dolly Parton and her unwavering dedication to kindness and generosity. Her music touches our souls, and her actions touch our hearts. Let us all follow in her footsteps, spreading love and making a difference, just like Dolly.
