2026Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County volunteer fire department
Donated equipment and funding to the Sevier County Volunteer Fire Department for improved emergency response.
Research in progress
An independent philanthropic archive
Dolly
Deeds
A lifetime of giving.
Behind one of the world's most celebrated entertainers is an extraordinary history of turning success into service.
♥
The invitation
Her greatest legacy may not be what she gave.
It may be what she inspired the rest of us to give.
Dolly Deeds and counting
204
anonymous acts of kindness recorded
The purpose
Kindness has a history.
For decades, Dolly Parton has demonstrated what can happen when success is turned into service.
For decades, Dolly Parton has demonstrated what can happen when success is turned into service. From children's literacy and education to healthcare, disaster relief and investment in the communities of Appalachia, her philanthropy has touched lives far beyond the stage. Dolly Deeds exists to document that history, preserve its stories and help inspire what comes next.
Discover her legacyThe archive
The deeds
2026Medical Research
Nashville, Tennessee
Donated to Dollywood Foundation cancer research fund
Established a cancer research fund at Vanderbilt supporting innovative pediatric and adult cancer research.
Primary sourceSource
2026Education / Children
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County Head Start expansion
Funded the expansion of Head Start programs in Sevier County to serve more low-income preschool children.
Primary source
2026Community
East Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation rural transportation program
Created a rural transportation program providing rides to medical appointments and grocery stores for residents without vehicles.
Primary source
2026Community / Wildlife
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County animal rescue programs
Funded animal rescue and spay/neuter programs in Sevier County to improve animal welfare in her home community.
Research in progress
2026Community
East Tennessee
Donated to Dollywood Foundation community crisis fund
Established a community crisis fund providing emergency financial assistance to families facing eviction, utility shut-off, or other crises.
Primary source
2026Education / Arts
Tennessee
Supported Tennessee music education advocacy
Advocated for and funded music education programs in Tennessee public schools facing budget cuts.
Primary source
2026Children / Healthcare
East Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation children's grief counseling
Created a grief counseling program for children who have lost parents or family members, providing free counseling services.
Primary source
2026Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County food pantry expansion
Funded the expansion of Sevier County food pantries to meet growing demand from local families.
Primary source
2026Education / Healthcare
Appalachia
Created Dollywood Foundation rural healthcare scholarship
Established scholarships for students from rural Appalachian communities pursuing healthcare careers.
Primary source
2026Literacy / Accessibility
United States
Supported Imagination Library bilingual book program
Launched a bilingual book program within the Imagination Library to serve children in Spanish-speaking and bilingual households.
Primary sourceSource
2026Community / Accessibility
East Tennessee
Donated to Dollywood Foundation disability services
Expanded services for individuals with disabilities in East Tennessee including job training and accessibility improvements.
Primary source
2026Education / Arts
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County youth orchestra
Funded the Sevier County Youth Orchestra providing instruments, instruction, and performance opportunities for young musicians.
Research in progress
2026Community / Healthcare
East Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation elderly care assistance
Created a program providing home care assistance, meals, and transportation for elderly residents of East Tennessee.
Primary source
2026Wildlife / Conservation
Tennessee
Supported Tennessee state park system
Made a donation to the Tennessee State Park system supporting conservation, education, and trail maintenance.
Primary source
2026Healthcare / Arts
East Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation music therapy program
Launched a music therapy program in East Tennessee hospitals and care facilities using music to support healing.
Primary source
2026Cultural Preservation
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County historical society
Funded the Sevier County Historical Society's efforts to preserve and document the region's cultural heritage.
Research in progress
2026Education
East Tennessee
Donated to Dollywood Foundation STEM education program
Funded STEM education programs in East Tennessee schools to prepare students for careers in science and technology.
Research in progress
2026Accessibility / Literacy
United States
Supported Imagination Library Braille program expansion
Expanded the Braille and audio book program to reach more children with visual impairments nationwide.
Primary sourceSource
2026Education
East Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation first-generation college fund
Established a fund specifically for first-generation college students from East Tennessee.
Primary source
2026Literacy / Education
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County public school library books
Funded the purchase of new library books for every public school in Sevier County, ensuring students had access to current, diverse reading materials.
Research in progress
2026Healthcare
East Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation rural telehealth program
Funded a rural telehealth program bringing virtual medical consultations to communities without nearby healthcare facilities.
Primary source
2026Education
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County fair scholarship program
Created a scholarship program for Sevier County youth who demonstrated excellence in agricultural and community projects at the county fair.
Research in progress
2026Literacy / Community
East Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation rural library bookmobile
Launched a bookmobile program bringing books and library services to remote Appalachian communities without library access.
Primary source
2026Literacy
U.S. Virgin Islands
Supported Imagination Library program in U.S. Virgin Islands
Expanded the Imagination Library to the U.S. Virgin Islands, continuing the program's reach to all U.S. territories.
Primary sourceSource
2026Healthcare / Children
East Tennessee
Donated to Dollywood Foundation childhood immunization program
Funded childhood immunization programs ensuring all children in East Tennessee had access to recommended vaccines.
Primary source
2026Arts / Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County community theater
Funded the Sevier County Community Theater providing arts education and performance opportunities for local residents.
Research in progress
2026Community / Healthcare
East Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation elder nutrition program
Launched a meal delivery program for homebound elderly residents across East Tennessee.
Primary source
2026Children / Community
Tennessee
Supported Tennessee Special Olympics
Made a major donation to Tennessee Special Olympics supporting athletic programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Primary source
2026Education
Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation teacher training grants
Provided grants for teacher professional development and classroom resources across Tennessee schools.
Primary source
2026Education / Youth
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County 4-H livestock program
Funded the 4-H livestock program teaching children responsibility and agricultural skills through hands-on animal care.
Research in progress
2026Healthcare / Community
East Tennessee
Donated to Dollywood Foundation addiction recovery program
Funded addiction recovery programs in East Tennessee providing counseling, treatment, and support services.
Primary source
2026Arts / Community
East Tennessee
Supported East Tennessee arts council
Made a major contribution to the East Tennessee Arts Council supporting local artists and arts education programs.
Primary source
2026Community / Environment
East Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation community garden initiative
Launched a community garden initiative providing fresh produce to food-insecure families across East Tennessee.
Primary source
2026Children's Health
Knoxville, Tennessee
Generational commitment to East Tennessee Children's Hospital
Entered a major philanthropic partnership with East Tennessee Children's Hospital, renamed Dolly Parton Children's Hospital.
Primary source
2026Children's Health / Cancer
Nashville, Tennessee
80th birthday recording benefits pediatric cancer research
Designated net proceeds from a new rendition of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and its video for pediatric cancer research.
Primary sourceSource
2026Healthcare / Community
East Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation community wellness program
Launched a community wellness program providing free health screenings, fitness classes, and nutrition education across East Tennessee.
Primary source
2026Children's Health / Cancer
Nashville, Tennessee
80th-birthday recording benefits pediatric cancer research
Designated net proceeds from a new rendition of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" and its video for pediatric cancer research.
Primary sourceSource
2026Children's Health
Knoxville, Tennessee
Generational commitment to East Tennessee Children's Hospital
Entered a major philanthropic partnership with East Tennessee Children's Hospital, which was renamed Dolly Parton Children's Hospital; amount was not publicly disclosed.
Primary sourceSource
2026Literacy
Puerto Rico
Supported Imagination Library program in Puerto Rico
Expanded the Imagination Library to Puerto Rico, providing free monthly books to children across the territory.
Primary sourceSource
2026Children / Community
Tennessee
Supported Tennessee foster care system
Made a donation to support the Tennessee foster care system, funding resources for foster children and foster families statewide.
Primary source
2026Healthcare
East Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation rural dental clinic program
Funded mobile dental clinics bringing free dental care to rural East Tennessee communities.
Primary source
2026Healthcare / Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County emergency medical services
Donated to Sevier County EMS for new ambulances and emergency medical equipment.
Research in progress
2026Children / Community
East Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation summer camp scholarships
Provided scholarships for children from low-income families to attend summer camps across East Tennessee.
Primary source
2026Community
Tennessee
Supported Tennessee women's shelter network
Donated to women's shelters across Tennessee providing safe housing and support services for survivors of domestic violence.
Primary source
2026Education
East Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation college readiness program
Launched a college readiness program helping high school students prepare for and apply to college.
Primary source
2026Healthcare
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County community health clinic
Funded a community health clinic providing free and low-cost healthcare to uninsured Sevier County residents.
Research in progress
2026Community
East Tennessee
Donated to Dollywood Foundation veterans housing program
Funded a veterans housing program providing affordable homes for veterans returning to East Tennessee communities.
Primary source
2026Literacy
American Samoa
Supported Imagination Library program in American Samoa
Expanded the Imagination Library to American Samoa, ensuring children in U.S. territories received free monthly books.
Primary sourceSource
2026Arts / Community
Appalachia
Funded Dollywood Foundation Appalachian arts festival
Created an arts festival celebrating Appalachian culture, crafts, music, and traditions across the region.
Primary source
2026Education / Arts
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County public school music program
Funded music education programs in Sevier County public schools to ensure every child had access to music instruction.
Research in progress
2026Literacy / Community
East Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation literacy volunteer program
Launched a volunteer program training community members to read with children and support local literacy efforts.
Primary source
2026Disaster Relief
East Tennessee
Supported Tennessee wildfire recovery housing
Funded temporary housing solutions for families still recovering from wildfires in the Smoky Mountains region.
Primary sourceSource
2025Education / Arts
Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation arts scholarship
Created scholarships for students pursuing careers in the arts, including music, theater, and visual arts.
Primary source
2025Literacy
International
Imagination Library celebrates 30th anniversary
Celebrated three decades of providing free books to young children and families around the world.
Primary sourceSource
2025Literacy / Children
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County public library children's wing
Funded the construction of a dedicated children's wing at the Sevier County Public Library.
Research in progress
2025Wildlife / Conservation
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Donated to Dolly Parton Stampede conservation program
Supported conservation programs at the Dolly Parton Stampede venue, including habitat restoration and wildlife education.
Primary source
2025Literacy
International
Imagination Library celebrated its 30th anniversary
Celebrated three decades of providing free books to young children and families.
Primary sourceSource
2024Disaster Relief
East Tennessee / Appalachia
Dolly-affiliated organizations matched Helene relief gift
Her East Tennessee businesses and Foundation collectively pledged another $1 million alongside her personal gift.
Primary sourceSource
2024Literacy
United States
Imagination Library reached about 1 in 7 U.S. children under five
Reported that about 14% of U.S. children under age five received a monthly Imagination Library book.
Primary sourceSource
2024Literacy
United States
Imagination Library reaches 1 in 7 U.S. children under five
Reported that about 14% of U.S. children under age five received a monthly Imagination Library book.
Primary sourceSource
2024Children / Community
Kodak, Tennessee
Donated $1 million to Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains
Contributed $1 million to help complete fundraising for a new club facility, including Dolly's Dream Center.
Primary sourceSource
2024Disaster Relief
East Tennessee / Appalachia
Donated $1 million for Hurricane Helene relief
Personally donated $1 million for relief after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Appalachia.
Primary sourceSource
2024Community
East Tennessee
Donated to Dollywood Foundation emergency winter relief
Provided emergency winter relief including heating assistance and warm clothing for families in need.
Primary source
2024Literacy
Guam
Supported Imagination Library program in Guam
Expanded the Imagination Library to U.S. territories including Guam, ensuring children there received free monthly books.
Primary sourceSource
2024Children / Community
Kodak, Tennessee
Donated $1 million to Boys & Girls Club of Smoky Mountains
Contributed $1 million to help complete fundraising for a new club facility, including Dolly's Dream Center.
Primary source
2024Disaster Relief
East Tennessee / Appalachia
Donated $1 million for Hurricane Helene relief
Personally donated $1 million for relief after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Appalachia.
Primary sourceSource
2024Disaster Relief
East Tennessee / Appalachia
Dolly-affiliated organizations match Helene relief gift
Her East Tennessee businesses and Foundation collectively pledged another $1 million alongside her personal gift.
Primary sourceSource
2023Children / Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County youth sports programs
Funded youth sports leagues and equipment to ensure local children could participate regardless of financial circumstances.
Research in progress
2023Education Recognition
United States
Christine King Farris Legacy of Service in Education Award
Dolly and her Foundation were recognized for service in education.
Primary sourceSource
2023Literacy
International
Imagination Library gifts 200 millionth book
Reached 200 million books gifted to children since the program began in 1995.
Primary sourceSource
2023Literacy
International
Imagination Library gifted its 200 millionth book
Reached 200 million books gifted to children since inception.
Primary sourceSource
2023Education Recognition
United States
Received Christine King Farris Legacy Award
Dolly and her Foundation were recognized with the Christine King Farris Legacy of Service in Education Award from The King Center.
Primary source
2022Philanthropy
United States
Received $100 million Courage and Civility Award to direct to charities
Received $100 million designated for charitable organizations of Dolly's choosing.
Multiple sourcesSource
2022Literacy
International
Imagination Library reached 2 million books per month
Grew to two million books mailed to children each month globally.
Primary sourceSource
2022Medical Research / Children
Nashville, Tennessee
Donated $1 million for pediatric infectious-disease research
Made an additional $1 million gift to advance pediatric infectious-disease research.
Primary sourceSource
2022Philanthropy Recognition
United States
Received Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy
Received a major international philanthropy honor for her long record of giving.
Primary sourceSource
2022Literacy
International
Imagination Library reaches 2 million books per month
The Imagination Library grew to mail two million free books to children each month globally.
Primary sourceSource
2022Philanthropy Recognition
United States
Received Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy
Received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, a major international honor recognizing her long record of giving.
Primary source
2022Medical Research / Children
Nashville, Tennessee
Donated $1 million for pediatric infectious disease research
Made an additional $1 million gift to advance pediatric infectious-disease research at Vanderbilt.
Primary sourceSource
2022Philanthropy
United States
Received $100 million Courage and Civility Award
Received $100 million from Jeff Bezos' Courage and Civility Award, designated for charitable organizations of Dolly's choosing.
Primary source
2022Education / Healthcare
Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation scholarship for healthcare workers
Established scholarships for students pursuing nursing and healthcare careers in Tennessee.
Primary source
2021Public Health
United States
Supported Dollywood Foundation vaccine education
Encouraged vaccine education and awareness, publicly sharing her own vaccination experience to reduce hesitancy.
Primary sourceSource
2021Community / Education
East Tennessee
Supported Dollywood Foundation rural broadband initiative
Advocated for and funded rural broadband expansion to improve internet access for education and healthcare in Appalachia.
Research in progress
2021Literacy
United States
Received Library of Congress Rubenstein Prize
The Library of Congress awarded the Imagination Library the $150,000 David M. Rubenstein Prize for its contributions to literacy.
Primary sourceSource
2021Literacy
United States
Library of Congress Rubenstein Prize
The Library of Congress awarded the program the $150,000 David M. Rubenstein Prize.
Primary sourceSource
2020Community
East Tennessee
Donated to East Tennessee homeless shelters
Provided emergency funding to homeless shelters across East Tennessee during the pandemic.
Primary source
2020Literacy / Children
Online / International
Launched Goodnight with Dolly read-aloud series
Read a weekly series of children's books online to comfort families during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
Primary sourceSource
2020Medical Research
Nashville, Tennessee
Donated $1 million to Vanderbilt COVID-19 research
Made a $1 million gift supporting COVID-19 research and response, including work connected with the Moderna vaccine.
Primary sourceSource
2020Literacy
International
Imagination Library gifts 150 millionth book
Reached 150 million books gifted to children worldwide since the program's inception.
Primary sourceSource
2020Community
East Tennessee
Supported East Tennessee food banks during pandemic
Provided funding to food banks across East Tennessee to meet increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Primary source
2020Literacy
International
Imagination Library gifted its 150 millionth book
Reached 150 million books gifted worldwide.
Primary sourceSource
2020Medical Research
Nashville, Tennessee
Donated $1 million to Vanderbilt COVID-19 research
Made a $1 million gift supporting COVID-19 research and response, including work connected with the Moderna vaccine.
Primary sourceSource
2020Literacy / Children
Online / International
Launched Goodnight with Dolly
Read a weekly series of children's books online to share stories and comfort families during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
Primary sourceSource
2019Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County Habitat for Humanity
Partnered with Sevier County Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in need.
Primary source
2019Literacy
Republic of Ireland
Imagination Library expands to Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland became the fifth country to join the Imagination Library network.
Primary sourceSource
2019Philanthropy Recognition
United States
Received MusiCares Person of the Year honor
Honored as MusiCares Person of the Year for her philanthropic efforts and charitable impact.
Primary sourceSource
2019Literacy
Republic of Ireland
Expanded Imagination Library to Republic of Ireland
Added the Republic of Ireland as the fifth participating country.
Primary sourceSource
2019Philanthropy Recognition
United States
MusiCares recognition for philanthropy
Honored for philanthropic efforts and charitable impact.
Primary sourceSource
2018Literacy
East Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation summer reading program
Created a summer reading program to prevent learning loss during school breaks for children in East Tennessee.
Primary source
2018Literacy
Washington, D.C.
Dedicated the 100 millionth Imagination Library book
Marked 100 million books gifted by dedicating the milestone book at the Library of Congress.
Primary sourceSource
2018Literacy
Washington, D.C.
Dedicated 100 millionth Imagination Library book
Marked 100 million books gifted by dedicating the milestone book at the Library of Congress.
Primary sourceSource
2017Children / Community
East Tennessee
Supported Dollywood Foundation community Christmas toy drive
Organized a community toy drive collecting and distributing thousands of toys to children across East Tennessee during the holidays.
Primary source
2017Children's Health
Nashville, Tennessee
Donated $1 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital
Announced a $1 million gift in honor of her niece Hannah Dennison, who received successful leukemia treatment at the hospital.
Primary sourceSource
2017Children's Health / Cancer
Nashville, Tennessee
Supported Hannah Dennison Fund for pediatric cancer
Supported the Hannah Dennison Fund in Pediatric Cancer at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital.
Primary sourceSource
2017Children's Health / Cancer
Nashville, Tennessee
Supported pediatric cancer programs honoring niece Hannah
Supported pediatric cancer programs including the Hannah Dennison Fund in Pediatric Cancer.
Primary sourceSource
2017Disaster Relief
Sevier County, Tennessee
My People Fund distributed about $8.9 million
Provided monthly payments to hundreds of families who lost their homes; total support reached roughly $8.9 million.
Multiple sourcesSource
2017Children's Health
Nashville, Tennessee
Pledged $1 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital
Announced a $1 million gift in honor of her niece Hannah and family after Hannah's successful leukemia treatment.
Primary sourceSource
2016Disaster Relief
Sevier County, Tennessee
Launched My People Fund after Smoky Mountains wildfires
Created the My People Fund to provide monthly cash assistance to families whose homes were destroyed by the devastating wildfires.
Primary sourceSource
2016Community
East Tennessee
Donated to Mountain Ways Foundation
Supported Mountain Ways Foundation providing emergency assistance to families in the Smoky Mountains region.
Primary sourceSource
2016Disaster Relief
Sevier County, Tennessee
Created the My People Fund after Smoky Mountains wildfires
Launched emergency cash assistance for families whose primary homes were destroyed by the wildfires.
Primary sourceSource
2016Literacy
International
Imagination Library reached 1 million books per month
Began mailing one million free books every month.
Primary sourceSource
2016Disaster Relief
Sevier County, Tennessee
My People Fund telethon raises $9 million
Organized a telethon that raised approximately $9 million for wildfire relief, with funds going directly to affected families.
Primary sourceSource
2015Healthcare
Sevier County, Tennessee
Donated to LeConte Medical Center
Supported LeConte Medical Center in Sevier County, improving healthcare access for local residents.
Primary source
2015Education
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County public school technology
Funded technology upgrades including computers and internet access for Sevier County public schools.
Research in progress
2014Literacy
International
Imagination Library reaches 1 million books per month
The Imagination Library began mailing one million free books to children every month worldwide.
Primary sourceSource
2014Education
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County Fair education programs
Funded educational programs and agricultural education at the Sevier County Fair for local youth.
Research in progress
2014Healthcare
East Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation mental health awareness initiative
Launched a mental health awareness initiative to reduce stigma and expand access to mental health services in rural Tennessee.
Research in progress
2013Community
East Tennessee
Supported Dollywood Foundation community grants
Launched community grant programs through the Dollywood Foundation to support local nonprofits and community initiatives.
Primary sourceSource
2013Children / Community
East Tennessee
Supported Dollywood Foundation foster care programs
Funded foster care support programs providing resources for foster children and families in East Tennessee.
Primary source
2013Literacy
Australia
Expanded Imagination Library to Australia
Extended the book-gifting program to Australia.
Primary sourceSource
2013Literacy
Australia
Imagination Library expands to Australia
Australia joined the Imagination Library network, extending the free book-gifting program to children on another continent.
Primary sourceSource
2012Disaster Relief
Tennessee
Donated to Tennessee tornado recovery efforts
Contributed to recovery efforts after tornadoes struck Tennessee communities, helping families rebuild.
Primary source
2012Children's Health
Nashville, Tennessee
Supported Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital
Began a relationship with Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, supporting pediatric care programs.
Primary sourceSource
2011Accessibility
United States
Added audio and Braille books to Imagination Library
Expanded the Imagination Library to include audio and Braille book options for children with visual impairments.
Primary sourceSource
2011Literacy / Accessibility
United States
Added audio and Braille books
Expanded access through audio and Braille book options.
Primary sourceSource
2011Community
East Tennessee
Funded Dollywood Foundation veterans support
Created programs supporting veterans in East Tennessee with job training, housing assistance, and healthcare access.
Primary source
2010Literacy
International
Imagination Library mails 25 millionth book
Presented the 25-millionth Imagination Library book, marking a major milestone in global childhood literacy.
Primary sourceSource
2010Disaster Relief
Nashville, Tennessee
Donated to Nashville flood relief
Contributed to flood relief efforts following devastating floods in Middle Tennessee.
Primary source
2010Literacy
United States
Supported Imagination Library affiliate program grants
Provided grants to help local Imagination Library affiliates cover mailing costs and program administration.
Primary sourceSource
2010Literacy
International
Imagination Library reached 25 million books
Presented the 25-millionth Imagination Library book.
Primary sourceSource
2009Healthcare
East Tennessee
Donated to Covenant Health system
Supported Covenant Health system programs improving healthcare access across East Tennessee.
Primary source
2009Literacy
United States
Imagination Library reaches 500,000 children
The Imagination Library grew to serve half a million children monthly across the United States.
Primary sourceSource
2008Education / Arts
East Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation arts education fund
Established an arts education fund to support music, theater, and visual arts programs in East Tennessee schools.
Primary source
2008Education
Appalachia
Supported Dollywood Foundation Appalachian scholarship
Expanded scholarship programs to support students across the Appalachian region pursuing higher education.
Primary sourceSource
2007Healthcare
Sevier County, Tennessee
Raised $1 million for Sevier County women's services
Helped raise $1 million for a hospital birthing unit, leading to the Dolly Parton Center for Women's Services.
Primary sourceSource
2007Healthcare
Sevier County, Tennessee
Helped raise $1 million for Sevier County women's health services
Helped raise $1 million for a hospital birthing unit, leading to the Dolly Parton Center for Women's Services.
Primary sourceSource
2007Literacy
United Kingdom
Imagination Library expands to United Kingdom
The Imagination Library launched in the United Kingdom, bringing free monthly books to British children.
Primary sourceSource
2007Healthcare
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County public health initiatives
Funded public health initiatives including vaccination programs and health screenings for uninsured residents.
Research in progress
2007Literacy
United Kingdom
Expanded Imagination Library to the United Kingdom
Extended the free monthly book program to the United Kingdom.
Primary sourceSource
2006Literacy
Canada
Expanded Imagination Library to Canada
Canada became the first participating country outside the United States.
Primary sourceSource
2006Education
Tennessee
Donated to Dollywood Foundation teacher awards
Created an awards program recognizing outstanding teachers in Tennessee for their dedication to education.
Primary source
2006Literacy
Canada
Imagination Library expands to Canada
Canada became the first country outside the United States to launch the Imagination Library, expanding the program internationally.
Primary sourceSource
2005Literacy
International
Funded Imagination Library book selection committee
Established a dedicated book selection committee to curate age-appropriate, high-quality books for the Imagination Library.
Primary sourceSource
2005Disaster Relief
International
Donated to Save the Children tsunami relief
Contributed to Save the Children's tsunami relief efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Research in progressSource
2004Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported United Way of Sevier County
Made a major contribution to the United Way of Sevier County supporting local health, education, and financial stability programs.
Primary source
2004Literacy
Tennessee
Supported Tennessee statewide Imagination Library
Worked with state leaders to make the Imagination Library available to every eligible child in Tennessee.
Primary sourceSource
2004Literacy
Tennessee
Imagination Library statewide in Tennessee
Tennessee pursued statewide coverage, expanding access throughout Dolly's home state.
Primary sourceSource
2003Literacy
International
Imagination Library reached 1 million books
Mailed its one-millionth book.
Primary sourceSource
2003Wildlife / Conservation
Tennessee
Donated to Dollywood Foundation wildfire prevention
Funded wildfire prevention education and resources for communities in the Smoky Mountains region.
Research in progress
2003Literacy
International
Imagination Library mails 1 millionth book
The Imagination Library mailed its one-millionth book, a landmark achievement for the free book-gifting program.
Primary sourceSource
2002Literacy
United States
Imagination Library reaches 50,000 children
The Imagination Library grew to serve 50,000 children across the country, marking a major milestone in the program's expansion.
Primary sourceSource
2002Literacy
United States
Extended Imagination Library to Native American communities
Added Native American communities to the growing book-gifting network.
Primary sourceSource
2002Education
Appalachia
Funded scholarships for Appalachian students
Expanded scholarship programs to support students from Appalachian communities pursuing college degrees.
Primary sourceSource
2002Literacy
United States
Supported Native American literacy programs
Extended the Imagination Library to Native American communities, ensuring Indigenous children had access to free monthly books.
Primary sourceSource
2001Literacy
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County public library expansion
Funded the expansion of the Sevier County public library system to increase community access to books and learning resources.
Research in progress
2001Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County rescue squad
Donated to the Sevier County Rescue Squad to purchase new emergency equipment and vehicles.
Research in progress
2001Healthcare
Nashville, Tennessee
Donated to Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Made a donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center supporting pediatric care and research.
Primary source
2000Literacy
United States
Created Dollywood Foundation literacy grants
Launched literacy grant programs to help local organizations start and sustain Imagination Library affiliates in their communities.
Primary sourceSource
2000Literacy
United States
National replication of Imagination Library
Opened the model so communities across the United States could launch local Imagination Library programs.
Primary sourceSource
2000Literacy
United States
Imagination Library expands to 100 communities
The Imagination Library expanded to 100 communities nationwide, accelerating the national rollout of the book-gifting program.
Primary sourceSource
1999Education / Children
Tennessee
Supported Tennessee Head Start programs
Provided funding to Head Start programs across Tennessee supporting early childhood education for low-income families.
Primary source
1999Community
United States
Performed at Farm Aid concert
Performed at the Farm Aid benefit concert supporting family farmers across America.
Primary sourceSource
1998Cultural Preservation
Sevier County, Tennessee
Donated to Dolly Parton Birthplace restoration
Funded the restoration and preservation of her childhood birthplace cabin as a historic site for visitors.
Primary source
1998Disaster Relief
Tennessee
Supported Dollywood Foundation disaster relief fund
Established a disaster relief fund through the Dollywood Foundation to assist families affected by natural disasters in East Tennessee.
Research in progress
1997Literacy
Tennessee
Imagination Library reaches 10,000 children
The Imagination Library expanded beyond Sevier County, reaching 10,000 children across Tennessee.
Primary sourceSource
1997Education / Youth
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County 4-H programs
Funded 4-H youth development programs teaching agriculture, leadership, and citizenship to local children.
Research in progress
1996Community / Children
Sevier County, Tennessee
Created Dollywood Foundation community Christmas celebration
Hosted an annual community Christmas celebration with free admission, food, and entertainment for local families.
Primary source
1996Healthcare
Sevier County, Tennessee
Donated to Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation
Supported the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, named for the doctor who delivered her, providing healthcare to mountain communities.
Primary source
1995Literacy
Five countries
Sustained global Imagination Library funding and infrastructure
Shared the cost and infrastructure of a program providing books at no charge to participating families, ultimately reaching millions of books per month.
Primary sourceSource
1995Education / Arts
Tennessee
Donated pianos to Tennessee schools
Donated pianos and musical instruments to public schools across Tennessee to support music education.
Research in progress
1995Literacy
Sevier County, Tennessee
Founded Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Created a monthly book-gifting program providing free books to children from birth to age five, inspired by her father's inability to read and write.
Primary sourceSource
1995Literacy
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Dolly Parton Imagination Library pilot
Launched the Imagination Library as a pilot program mailing one free book per month to every child under five in Sevier County.
Primary sourceSource
1994Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County senior center
Provided funding for the Sevier County Senior Center to expand programs and services for elderly residents.
Research in progress
1993Literacy
East Tennessee
Funded adult literacy programs in East Tennessee
Funded adult literacy programs across East Tennessee, inspired by her father's inability to read and write.
Primary sourceSource
1992Wildlife / Conservation
Tennessee
Donated to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Made a donation to support conservation and preservation efforts at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Primary source
1992Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Donated to Sevier County animal shelter
Made a personal donation to help expand the local animal shelter and improve animal welfare in her home county.
Research in progress
1992Education
Sevier County, Tennessee
Created the Buddy Program
Promised participating 7th- and 8th-graders $500 if they graduated high school; the Foundation reports the dropout rate for the two classes fell from 35% to 6%.
Primary sourceSource
1991Wildlife / Conservation
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary partnership
Helped launch the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary partnership supporting bald-eagle conservation and public education.
Primary sourceSource
1991Wildlife / Conservation
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Supported American Eagle Foundation programs
Partnered with the American Eagle Foundation to support bald eagle rehabilitation, breeding, and public education at Dollywood.
Primary sourceSource
1991Community
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Supported Dollywood employee emergency relief fund
Created an employee emergency relief fund to help Dollywood staff facing financial hardships.
Primary source
1990Education
Sevier County, Tennessee
Created the Dollywood Foundation scholarship endowment
Established an endowed scholarship fund for graduating seniors in Sevier County high schools.
Primary sourceSource
1990Children / Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Provided Christmas gifts to Sevier County children in need
Organized an annual Christmas gift program ensuring children from low-income families received presents each holiday season.
Primary source
1990Education
Sevier County, Tennessee
Dolly Parton Scholarships
Annual scholarship program for local high-school seniors pursuing higher education.
Primary sourceSource
1989Community
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood theme park jobs program
Dollywood became one of the largest employers in the region, providing stable jobs and benefits to thousands of local residents.
Primary sourceSource
1989Community / Children
Sevier County, Tennessee
Funded playground construction at Sevier County elementary schools
Funded the construction of new playground equipment at multiple elementary schools in Sevier County.
Research in progress
1988Education / Arts
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County high school band program
Purchased new instruments and uniforms for the Sevier County High School marching band.
Research in progress
1988Healthcare
Sevier County, Tennessee
Performed at benefit for Sevier County hospital
Headlined a benefit concert raising funds for the local hospital serving her home community.
Primary sourceSource
1988Education
Sevier County, Tennessee
Founded The Dollywood Foundation
Created a nonprofit focused on helping children in her home county achieve educational success; its earliest work targeted the high-school dropout rate.
Primary sourceSource
1987Community
Sevier County, Tennessee
Supported Sevier County Food Ministry
Provided ongoing financial support to the Sevier County Food Ministry to help families in need.
Research in progress
1986Literacy
Sevier County, Tennessee
Donated books to Sevier County schools
Before the Imagination Library, Dolly personally donated books to local Sevier County schools to encourage reading among children.
Primary sourceSource
Recognition
Awards & honors
A lifetime of recognition spanning music, film, literacy, and humanitarian service.
1969Major
Membership / Induction
Grand Ole Opry · Inducted as a member
1978Signature
Entertainer of the Year
Country Music Association · Winner
1979Signature
Best Country Vocal Performance, Female — Here You Come Again
Grammy Awards · Winner; first Grammy
1981Major
Best Original Song — 9 to 5
Academy Awards · Nominee
1981Major
Best Country Song — 9 to 5
Grammy Awards · Winner
1981Major
Best Country Vocal Performance, Female — 9 to 5
Grammy Awards · Winner
1981Major
9 to 5 — Actress, Original Song and New Star nominations
Golden Globe Awards · Three nominations
1984Signature
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame · Honored
1986Major
Induction
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame · Inducted
1990Notable
Honorary Doctorate of Letters
Carson-Newman College · Recipient
1999Signature
Induction
Country Music Hall of Fame · Inducted
2000Major
Best Country Collaboration with Vocals — After the Gold Rush
Grammy Awards · Winner with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt
2001Signature
Induction
Songwriters Hall of Fame · Inducted
2001Major
Best Bluegrass Album — The Grass Is Blue
Grammy Awards · Winner
2002Major
Best Female Country Vocal Performance — Shine
Grammy Awards · Winner
2004Signature
Living Legend Award
Library of Congress · Recipient
2005Signature
National Medal of Arts
National Endowment for the Arts / U.S. Government · Recipient
2006Signature
Kennedy Center Honors
Kennedy Center · Honoree
2006Major
Best Original Song — Travelin' Thru (Transamerica)
Academy Awards · Nominee
2007Major
I Will Always Love You (1974 recording)
Grammy Hall of Fame · Inducted
2008Major
Induction
Gospel Music Hall of Fame · Inducted
2009Major
Best Original Score — 9 to 5: The Musical
Tony Awards · Nominee
2009Major
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
University of Tennessee, Knoxville · Recipient
2009Notable
Star
Music City Walk of Fame · Inducted / honored
2010Notable
Induction
Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame · Inducted
2011Signature
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Recording Academy · Recipient
2012Major
Coat of Many Colors
Library of Congress National Recording Registry · Recording inducted
2014Major
Jolene (1974 recording)
Grammy Hall of Fame · Inducted
2016Notable
Induction
Happiness Hall of Fame · Inducted
2017Major
Best Country Duo/Group Performance — Jolene with Pentatonix
Grammy Awards · Winner
2018Major
Most decades with a Top 20 hit on US Hot Country Songs
Guinness World Records · Record holder
2018Major
Most hits on US Hot Country Songs chart by a female artist
Guinness World Records · Record holder
2018Major
Governors' Award for Lifetime Achievement
Midsouth Emmy Awards · Winner
2019Major
Coat of Many Colors (1971 recording)
Grammy Hall of Fame · Inducted
2019Signature
Person of the Year
MusiCares · Honoree
2020Major
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song — God Only Knows
Grammy Awards · Winner / featured performer
2021Major
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song — There Was Jesus
Grammy Awards · Winner with Zach Williams
2021Signature
Outstanding Television Movie — Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square
Primetime Emmy Awards · Winner (executive producer)
2022Signature
Performer Category
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame · Inducted
2022Signature
Medal recipient
Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy · Honored
2022Signature
Award recipient
Bezos Courage and Civility Award · Received $100 million to direct to charitable causes
2023Signature
Honorary Lifetime Membership
American Library Association · Recipient; ALA's highest honor
2023Major
Christine King Farris Legacy of Service in Education Award
The King Center · Recipient
2025Signature
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences · Recipient; honorary Oscar statuette
CareerSignature
Competitive Grammy record
Grammy Awards · 10 wins, 55 nominations listed by Recording Academy through 2026
CareerMajor
Best Original Song nominations
Academy Awards · 2 nominations: 9 to 5 and Travelin' Thru
CareerMajor
Golden Globe nominations
Golden Globe Awards · 6 nominations
CareerMajor
CMA career record
Country Music Association Awards · 10 wins listed in awards compendium
A living record
The ripple keeps moving.
A deed is never only a moment. It is a book opened, a family steadied, a hometown remembered.
1995A book in every child’s handsBooks & literacy
2016When the mountains needed a handDisaster relief
TodayThe good continuesCommunity
🦋
The Butterfly Brigade
Let kindness
take flight.
Meet The Butterfly Brigade — Dolly Deeds’ community-action program bringing people together to create monarch habitat and do something beautiful for the places they call home.
Small Deeds. Big Wings.
One Million Wings Campaign
Our journey to 1,000,000 sq. ft.
0 sq. ft. planted0%
0
Registered Gardens
1
Brigades
2
Volunteers
0
Sq. Ft. of Habitat
1
States
Plant. Protect. Pollinate.
How it works
01
Gather Your Brigade
Bring together friends, neighbors, classmates, or community organizations. A Brigade can begin with a small group.
02
Choose Your Place
Find an appropriate location for monarch habitat — schools, libraries, parks, community centers, and more.
03
Plant for the Monarchs
Use regionally appropriate native milkweed and nectar-producing native plants for your area.
04
Register Your Garden
Submit your garden to Dolly Deeds. Approved gardens appear on the national map and count toward One Million Wings.
Continue the good
Give like
Dolly.
Dolly spent a lifetime showing what can happen when people help one another. Discover organizations connected to that legacy and choose where you’d like to help.
Books & literacy
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
A monthly book-gifting program providing free books to children from birth to age five, founded by Dolly in 1995.
Dolly founded it in 1995; flagship program of the Dollywood Foundation
Education & community
The Dollywood Foundation
Dolly's 501(c)(3), founded in 1988; supports education, scholarships, Imagination Library and historically disaster relief.
Dolly's 501(c)(3), founded in 1988
Books & literacy
Local Imagination Library Programs
Donors can designate gifts to participating local programs in their communities.
Donors can designate gifts to participating local programs
Children's health
Dolly Parton Children's Hospital
Formerly East Tennessee Children's Hospital; renamed in 2026 following Dolly's major long-term philanthropic commitment.
Renamed in 2026 following Dolly's major long-term philanthropic commitment
Children's health
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Dolly gave $1 million in 2017 following her niece Hannah's leukemia treatment and continued supporting pediatric medicine.
Dolly gave $1 million in 2017 following her niece Hannah's leukemia treatment
Cancer research
Childhood Cancer Research at Vanderbilt
Best direct destination for visitors specifically inspired by Dolly's support of pediatric cancer programs.
Inspired by Dolly's support of pediatric cancer programs
Children & families
Friends of Monroe Carell
Supports children and families within the hospital through programs and practical assistance.
Supports children and families within the hospital
Medical research
Vanderbilt Health Research & Care
Dolly donated $1M for COVID research in 2020 and another $1M toward pediatric infectious-disease research in 2022.
Dolly donated $1M for COVID research in 2020 and another $1M toward pediatric infectious-disease research in 2022
Disaster relief
Mountain Ways Foundation
Dolly personally gave $1M for Hurricane Helene victims in 2024; her businesses/Foundation pledged another $1M.
Dolly personally gave $1M for Hurricane Helene victims in 2024; her businesses/Foundation pledged another $1M
Wildlife / conservation
American Eagle Foundation
Longtime Dolly/Dollywood conservation relationship dating to the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary.
Longtime Dolly/Dollywood conservation relationship dating to the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary
Wildlife / conservation
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary
Specific giving destination for the eagle sanctuary historically associated with Dollywood.
Historically associated with Dollywood
Children & community
Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains
Dolly gave $1M toward its expansion/new facility in 2024.
Dolly gave $1M toward its expansion/new facility in 2024
Dolly Deeds does not receive or process charitable contributions. Giving links will always lead to the selected organization’s official platform.
Your stories
How Dolly helped, how we give back
Share how Dolly touched your life or your family’s, or tell us about a deed you did or intend to do to make the world a little better. Your story can be named or anonymous.
Get in touch
Let’s keep the good going.
Have a story to share, a deed to document, or a question for the Dolly Deeds team? We’d love to hear from you.
Stay connected