We join millions around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton, a beloved artist, philanthropist, and champion for children. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all who were impacted by her extraordinary life and legacy.
We are deeply grateful for her commitment to inspiring children to love reading through the Imagination Library. Her generosity and vision touched the lives of countless Kansas children and families, and her legacy will continue to live on in every book opened and every young reader encouraged to dream.
The Dollywood Foundation released a heartfelt message, promising to continue the work she started in 1995.
“Dolly often said that she had been blessed far beyond anything she ever dreamed possible, and she believed deeply that those blessings came with a responsibility to give something back,” said Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation.” That belief is woven into everything we do at The Dollywood Foundation. While we are heartbroken by her loss, the mission she gave us is as clear today as it has ever been, and we will carry it forward for generations to come.”
The message goes on to note that The Dollywood Foundation has prepared carefully for the future and remains honored to carry the mission Dolly entrusted to it.
“Dolly’s legacy was never meant to be something we simply preserve or look back upon,” Conyers said. “She built things that could keep doing good in the world. Our responsibility now is to care for what she entrusted to us, help it grow thoughtfully and make certain the love at the heart of her work continues reaching children, families and communities long into the future.”
One of the greatest ways to honor Dolly is not simply to remember what she accomplished, but to continue the work she loved — carrying it forward with the same generosity, humility, joy and love with which she began it.
We invite you to help honor Dolly’s legacy by giving the gift of reading to children across Kansas through a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kansas.
