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“Book lady” Dolly Parton is proudly keeping all kids reading and more than that, is ensuring they have access to reading materials. Not everyone is that fortunate and that is where Dolly comes in. She has been passionate about philanthropy for years and this is just another example. Keep reading to see how the actress and singer is making an incredible difference.
‘Book Lady’ Dolly Parton Proudly Keeps Kids Reading
Dolly Parton is known for her incredible voice and quirky movie roles. She played Truvy in Steel Magnolias and Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5 which have become fan favorites. Along with her hit songs such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly has solidified her place as a performer not to be messed with. She has also added cookbook author, baker, and most recently, makeup mogul to her resume. Dolly just launched Dolly Beauty as she has been obsessed with creating her own beauty products.
Yet, in the midst of all of her hard work and performance efforts, Dolly loves giving back. Since she and her husband, Carl Dean never had children, working with children feeds her soul. One of the projects she is most passionate about is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Kids start getting books from the moment they enter the world thanks to this program. Then, it ends once they start school in areas that participate. According to ABC News, she has taken this on the road to explain the origin of the heartfelt project.
She told the story of her father, Robert Lee Parton and how he inspired it all:
In the mountains, a lot of people never had a chance to go to school because they had to work on the farms. They had to do whatever it took to keep the rest of the family going.
Dolly went on to note how her father was incredibly smart but was always ashamed that he could not read. In 1995, she started the program in just one state. Now, it spans 21, and 3 million books are sent out every month. In nearly 30 years, 240 million+ books have been sent in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. Dolly added:
The kids started calling me the ‘book lady.’
Proud Papa
Dolly Parton’s father loved what she did when it came to the Imagination Project. More so, he loved it more than her career as a performer but it helped him feel like he was a part of something big and impactful. Now, Missouri covers the $11 million cost that is incurred for the books yet the other states do their part, as well. While in Kentucky, Dolly said this of the project:
It’s really a great way to teach children when they’re very young to learn to love books and to learn to read.
At the end of the day, Dolly is just happy her dad got to see her launch this and be around for the first five years as it took off:
That was kind of my way to honor my dad, because the Bible says to honor your father and mother. And I don’t think that just means, ‘just obey.’ I think it means to bring honor to their name and to them.
Her own children’s book is a part of the project and kids will get a chance to read Dolly’s words. So, she is making an impact in all areas, from music to beauty to the kitchen to children.
Are you impressed by all of the work Dolly does? More so, did you know she was so philanthropic? Let us know in the comments below.