08/26/2026
Narrative Initiative grieves the loss of Dolly Parton, a working-class hero whose life’s work brought people together across differences. We hope you will take this moment to reflect on how Dolly’s actions embodied a deep belief in the inherent dignity of all people and communities.
Dolly Parton was born into a poor, working-class Appalachian family. She took pride in this, often writing about the realities of working-class rural life in such songs as “Coat of Many Colors” or “9 to 5.” Her background — and commitment to supporting those living in poverty — anchored all her work, whether in music, entrepreneurship, or philanthropy. She envisioned Dollywood as a place for Appalachia to tell its own story, “It’s something I want to take pride in, to preserve the Smoky Mountain heritage rather than have Hollywood portray us as they often do.” Her commitment to early childhood education led her to found Imagination Library. Inspired by her father, who never learned to read or write, Dolly created the book gifting program to provide free, high-quality books to children, regardless of family income.The program has donated over 300 million free books and fostered a love of reading and learning for countless children.
