Give Like Dolly Day: Honoring Parton's Legacy to Boost Kids' Reading!
Give Like Dolly Day: Honoring Parton's Legacy to Boost Kids' Reading!
Country legend Dolly Parton's passion for literacy lives on! Discover 'Give Like Dolly Day,' a new annual event supporting children's reading across the UK. Get involved and help inspire young minds!
A new annual initiative, 'Give Like Dolly Day,' has been launched in the UK, encouraging the public to support children's reading in honour of the late country music superstar, Dolly Parton.
Parton, who passed away in August at the age of 80, was a staunch advocate for literacy. The event, spearheaded by The Dollywood Foundation UK, held its inaugural celebration on Friday and will now be observed every year on September 25th. This date has long been recognized by fans as 'Dolly Parton Day,' a nod to her iconic hit song, “9 To 5.”
The public is encouraged to contribute to their local Imagination Library programmes across the UK. For communities without an existing program, there's a call to action to help establish one, and to spread the word by sharing their efforts on social media.
Jeff Conyers, president of The Dollywood Foundation, emphasized Parton's personal commitment to philanthropy. "For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart," Conyers stated.
She believed deeply in helping people, especially children, and she always felt if you are in a position to help, you should help.
He added that 'Give Like Dolly Day' is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to bolster their local Imagination Library partners and ensure books reach children throughout the UK.
Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995, a tribute to her father who was unable to read or write. What began in her home county of East Tennessee in the US has blossomed into an international phenomenon, extending its reach across the United States, and into the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
The program's core mission is to send a free, high-quality book directly to the homes of registered children every month, from birth until they turn five years old.
The first 'Give Like Dolly Day' in the UK saw several special events.
The British Library hosted a memorable occasion, while a mass online singing session brought people together with Rock Choir.
Additionally, Hobbycraft shops across the nation held Parton-inspired workshops, celebrating the star's creative spirit and her love for reading.
Parton, known for timeless hits such as “Jolene,” “9 To 5,” and her duet “Islands In The Stream” with Kenny Rogers, dedicated much of her later life to this impactful literacy initiative.
