There’s nothing more precious to an artist than their imagination and creativity — it’s arguably their most important asset and source of success. Dolly Parton realized this early on, which prompted her to run a program called Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The organization sends a book every month to children enrolled in its program up until they reach kindergarten age.
Almost a million children throughout Australia, the UK, Canada, and the United States are part of the program and get the monthly book sent to them. This means that the Imagination Library sends almost twelve million books annually which is quite an incredible number. Books help stimulate a child’s imagination and help develop them into amazing talented adults.
Supporting Her Godchild
While Dolly clearly chose a very different path in life than her young godchild, she is very accepting and loves her regardless. When Parton was asked by TIME Magazine if she has any concerns about Miley’s future, she said if she hadn't known how smart and talented Miley was, she might have worried about her.
Dolly said that Miley did a great job as Hannah Montana, but people were going to leave her there forever… The girl is smart and she doesn’t have to be so drastic. Parton respects her choices in life and says that if she did it her way there is no reason why anyone else can't.
Where She Got Her Signature Look From
Dolly Parton’s unique look has been the subject of admiration for decades. Somehow, despite aging over time, the singer looks just as vibrant and beautiful as she did when she was just getting started. Parton has also been a huge inspiration in the LGBTQ+ community, especially among drag queens and other fabulous performers who look up to her.
When asked by ABC News where she got the idea for her iconic look, Parton said that she once knew a woman that she found absolutely beautiful. She had fabulous yellow hair red lipstick and never-ending high heels. She wanted to look just like her. She was Parton's inspiration.
Her Father Inspires Her
Dolly Parton’s inspiration for starting The Imagination Library program came from quite an unlikely source. In a 2015 interview with Paper Magazine, Dolly said that it all really started with her daddy. He was, without a doubt, the smartest man she has ever known, but he could not read very well. She added that her Daddy did an incredible job of providing a good life for her family but there is no telling what he could have achieved if he had learned to read.
She went on to and added that The Imagination Library is just one way for her to honor him. Not long before he passed, he told her he was more proud of her for the Imagination Library than anything else she had ever done.
Parton's Foundation Helps the Poor
Another incredible venture that Dolly is responsible for is The Dollywood Foundation. This organization helps states with poor economic situations by bringing jobs and new taxes to them. The added work and government revenue help stimulate more jobs and growth, leading to a cycle of improvement. Parton also raises money for various other charities and organizations.
One example of the singer’s kindness is a donation she gave of half a million dollars to a hospital in Sevierville. Parton is also big on inspiring the younger generation to dream and go after their goals. She gave a commencement address in 2009 at the University of Tennessee where she inspired the audience to dream big and go for it.