Dolly Parton is an amazing human being. She has had a whirlwind of a career that includes music, film, television, and so much more! She is versatile and strong to the 1,000th power! Regardless of her talent and force, however, she’s been the butt of many jokes; been teased and shamed by those around her (in classic Dolly-fashion though, she’s always had a quip or a fiery retort to shoot back!). The truth is though, that Dolly Parton is kind, soulful, talented, and someone who is instilling the importance of reading to the youth of America! And she is totally showing people that you should never judge a book by it’s cover!
Image Via Hip2Save
In 1995, Dolly Parton began the organization known as Imagination Library in her father’s honor, citing the Bible’s instruction to “honor your mother and father.” The non-profit began in Sevier County, Tennessee, and has become something far greater than that: a million-book-a-month service for children.
From birth until kindergarten, kids whose families sign up for the program can expect to receive one book a month from Parton’s operation. Parton, whose father never learned how to read or write, wants to bring knowledge and learning to the potential leaders of tomorrow. She has always been someone who believes in her principals and beliefs, and has even explained that this program is her proudest accomplishment.
Image Via Imagination Library
Seventy-two-year-old Parton celebrated her honorary title as “book lady” after giving away her 100 millionth free book to the organization at the Library of Congress, and had the chance to read to a group of preschoolers. She read her children’s book, Coat of Many Colors, and made sure that the kids understood the tremendous impact that reading and writing has on the mind and soul. In addition to simply reading the words, Dolly even sang some of the lines written-bringing an even wider range of what we can do through the power of reading to the teacup-sized human audience.
Image Via NBC.com
Say what you want about Dolly Parton, but I think she’s doing something truly amazing for the children in this country. And she’s a totally strong, independent, beautiful human being and woman to boot!
Feature Image Via Country Rebel