Dolly Parton’s charity has announced an annual fundraising event named Give Like Dolly Day in memory of the late country superstar. The charitable initiative is set to take place on September 25 every year, encouraging direct donations to her book-giving programme, The Imagination Library. The project focuses on fostering a passion for reading among children under the age of five by sending free, high-quality books directly to their homes each month.
The singer, celebrated for hits such as 9 to 5, Jolene, and I Will Always Love You, died last month at the age of 80 following a battle with cancer. Jeff Conyers, president of The Dollywood Foundation, said: "For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart. "She believed deeply in helping people, especially children, and she always felt if you are in a position to help, you should help.
"Give Like Dolly Day is an opportunity for people everywhere to not only support their local Imagination Library partners but also putting books into the hands of children across the UK." Through direct contributions to regional partners, the campaign hopes to expand the programme into new communities and inspire children globally to build a lifelong love of reading. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Parton established the Imagination Library in 1995 in honour of her father, who was unable to read or write, aiming to assist children in her home county of East Tennessee. It has since expanded into the world's largest early-childhood book-gifting programme, supporting children and families through local partnerships across five countries: the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. More than 300 million books have now been provided to children.
A range of activities will be held across the UK in the run-up to Give Like Dolly Day, including a special event at the British Library and Parton-inspired workshops at Hobbycraft stores. Across a career spanning over 60 years, Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and authored over 3,000 songs, including hit tracks Coat Of Many Colours and Joshua. She was also a shrewd businesswoman whose empire featured the Dollywood theme park, alongside her work as a pioneering philanthropist.
Global tributes followed her death, coming from some of music's biggest stars, including Miley Cyrus, Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift, and Beyonce. Give Like Dolly Day will take place every year on September 25.
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