08/25/2026
TCCY would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Dolly Parton, a Tennessee treasure whose compassion and generosity have illuminated the lives of children, youth and families across the Volunteer State and country. From her humble beginnings in Sevier County to her global stardom, Dolly never forgot where she came from and worked to make sure every child, no matter their background, had opportunities to learn and thrive.
In 1988 she founded the Dollywood Foundation, launching the Buddy Program, which encouraged local middle schoolers to stay in school by offering $500 each upon graduation. The school district’s dropout rates went from 35% to just 6%. A few decades later, inspired by her father’s struggles with literacy, Dolly created the Imagination Library in Sevier County. The monthly book gifting program serves children from birth through 5-years-old and has grown to an international movement, delivering 300 million books worldwide. In 2018 Dolly was recognized at TCCY's Children's Advocacy days with the prestigious John Seigenthaler Media Award.
Her compassion reached far beyond Tennessee’s children and youth. When tragedy struck her home region in 2016 with the devastating wildfires, Dolly started the My People Fund, distributing $1,000 a month for six months to more than 900 affected families. During times of a broader crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, she personally donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University to support vaccine research. Through her foundation, she also helped raise $1 million to expand Sevier County’s hospital and women’s services and continues to provide thousands of dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors from five area high schools.
Dolly’s unwavering dedication reminds us that true greatness lies not only in talent, but in the power to lift others, to nurture dreams, and to build stronger communities.
Thank you, Dolly. Tennessee is richer for your kindness and your legacy will inspire generations to come.
