Dolly Parton is a megastar. We all know the story of her very humble beginnings in a one room cabin in the mountains of Tennessee. With her singing voice and her engaging personality, she forged a successful career for herself in the entertainment industry.
She could have spent her millions entirely on herself and immediate family but that is not who Dolly is. She remembers where she came from and has a strong urge to help others. Back in 2020 she made a personal donation of $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support the development of the Moderna vaccine in the battle against COVID 19.
But what mostly impresses me about Dolly Parton is the mission she took upon herself in the 1980s to do something very positive to tackle illiteracy. Her Imagination Library organisation has given out well over 100 million free books to thousands of targeted children - not just in The United States but in several other countries too. Sheffield's neighbouring steel town - Rotherham continues to be one of the recipient communities.
Dolly could never have children of her own owing to her endometriosis and the partial hysterectomy she had at the age of thirty six but she has tried to ensure that many other people's children get off to a good start in life. She recognises the vital significance of reading and writing and how being literate can so often be the key to a fulfilling and happy life.
Over decades, The Imagination Library has worked its magic across the state of Kentucky and last week Dolly Parton received that state's highest public service award. She became a Kentucky Colonel and that made me smile. God bless Dolly!
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