The monarch has departed, yet her legacy remains vibrantly alive in the hearts of many.
Dolly Parton—perhaps the most universally cherished American icon—passed away at eighty yesterday, slipping away peacefully in the embrace of family.
She was celebrated not only as a formidable singer-songwriter and a cornerstone of country and pop music, but also as a symbol embraced by diverse communities that often seem at odds. She earned affection from the queer community, many Christian communities, the Democratic Socialists of America, bold women, and fans of flamboyant charm alike.
What endears her to us still? She rose from Tennessee poverty to become a consistently chart-topping star, and with her wealth she used her platform to advocate for the trans community, fund early COVID-19 vaccine research, and provided thousands of free books to children.
On social media—formerly known as Twitter—many remarked that she did more for the country than numerous presidents. Even the harshest critics laid flowers, because she was that likable.
Her Imagination Library, which has recently expanded beyond Tennessee to support book programs in other states and countries, is now inviting donations at this time.
The book program, founded in 1995 in honor of Parton’s illiterate father, delivers free books to preschool-age children every month. About 3.2 million kids currently benefit from the initiative, though it has faced threats in Missouri.
With no formal parade announced yet, backing free books for young readers feels like a fitting tribute to the woman who gave us one of the era’s most beloved love songs.
She was also celebrated for delivering some of the sharpest critiques of workplace culture.
And she left behind a trove of witty, memorable quips that endure beyond her music.
So consider making a small contribution to the library today if you can, and offer a quiet thank you to Dolly. We will carry her memory with us every step of the way.
