When people think of Dolly Parton, they often think of a legendary entertainer whose music has inspired generations. But her impact extends well beyond country music. For decades, Parton has quietly become one of America’s most influential philanthropists, investing in education, health care, disaster relief, and community development.

Dolly Parton was a true unifier, and that spirit was reflected in both her personal character and her extraordinary philanthropy. While she is celebrated as a legendary entertainer and shrewd businesswoman, it is her authenticity, generosity, and ability to bring people together that we honor today.

Our laps have been warmed and our hearts filled as we’ve listened to our little ones share the magic of works and pictures that nurture their early literacy, thanks to books provided by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and its generous supporters.

Parton’s philanthropy has focused on creating opportunities for families and children. Inspired by her father’s inability to read, she launched the Imagination Library in 1995 and grew it into a worldwide literacy initiative that has delivered hundreds of millions of books to children.

Her generosity has also been evident in times of crisis. Following Hurricane Helene, which affected communities across the Southeast, including South Carolina, Parton donated $1 million personally, with an additional $1 million contributed through her businesses to support relief and recovery efforts.

South Carolina has felt the impact of her giving in other ways as well. In 2025, Parton donated $100,000 to support the development of Union Medical Center, helping strengthen health care access in a community with deep family ties to her mother, who was born in Union County.

What makes Dolly Parton’s philanthropy unique is its simplicity. Whether providing a child’s first book, supporting health care, or helping families recover after a disaster, her focus has always been on helping people build better futures.

Her legacy reminds us that true success isn’t measured by records sold or awards won. It’s measured by lives changed, opportunities created, and communities strengthened. It’s about doing what you can to help others – the heart of philanthropy.

While we have to say goodbye to a true legend, let us honor her legacy by following her example and continuing to do what we can to improve the lives of others. Dolly’s example reminds us that philanthropy can be a powerful force for unity, building connections rather than divisions. Let us all strive to be a little more like Dolly by using our time, talents, and resources to strengthen our communities and support one another.

In coordination with the Spartanburg Academic Movement, we are proud to provide an opportunity to support their important work through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, helping ensure more children have access to the gift of reading and learning. Those who wish to honor that legacy can help continue it for Spartanburg County’s youngest learners by supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the Spartanburg Academic Movement or the Spartanburg County Foundation’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Spartanburg – Literacy Fund at the Spartanburg County Foundation.

About the Artist: The artwork shared is an original work created by our talented intern, Sara Bailey. Sara is a South Carolina-based artist who specializes in drawing and oil painting. She received her bachelor’s in Studio Art and a minor in Arts Administration from Converse University in 2026. Bailey was the winner of the Tryon Block House Steeplechase Poster Contest, as well as a recipient of the President’s Award at the Converse Art Society Juried Exhibition. As a part of Spartanburg Methodist College’s Junior Artist Project, she had a solo exhibition of her work in 2021. Her work has also been featured at Blue Spirit Gallery, Tryon Fine Arts Center, and the Chapman Cultural Center. She has been featured in numerous literary publications, including Concept and Clover + Bee.