"O God, I could be bounded in a nut shell and count myself
a king of infinite space,
were it not that I have bad dreams."
- Hamlet Act II scene ii
1 September 2024
Dolly
Dolly Parton is a megastar. We all know the story of her very humble beginnings in a one room cabin in the mountains of Tennessee. With her singing voice and her engaging personality, she forged a successful career for herself in the entertainment industry.
She could have spent her millions entirely on herself and immediate family but that is not who Dolly is. She remembers where she came from and has a strong urge to help others. Back in 2020 she made a personal donation of $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support the development of the Moderna vaccine in the battle against COVID 19.
But what mostly impresses me about Dolly Parton is the mission she took upon herself in the 1980s to do something very positive to tackle illiteracy. Her Imagination Library organisation has given out well over 200 million free books to thousands of targeted children - not just in The United States but in several other countries too. Sheffield's neighbouring steel town - Rotherham continues to be one of the recipient communities.
Dolly could never have children of her own owing to her endometriosis and the partial hysterectomy she had at the age of thirty six but she has tried to ensure that many other people's children get off to a good start in life. She recognises the vital significance of reading and writing and how being literate can so often be the key to a fulfilling and happy life.
Over decades, The Imagination Library has worked its magic across the state of Kentucky and last week Dolly Parton received that state's highest public service award. She became a Kentucky Colonel and that made me smile. God bless Dolly!
My youngest grandson received a Dolly book every month until his recent 5th birthday. They're great quality books covering a range of topics. It's a wonderful program.
There is only one good that The Felon would pray to. The one he sees in the mirror. This is in stark contrast to Dolly's selflessness in her charity work.
Dolly Parton is a great woman in all respects. She is someone to look up to. Some time ago, I came across a program on Netflix, a format that had Reese Witherspoon chatting to various famous ladies. Dolly was one of them, and their conversation was not only good fun to watch and listen to, but also gave a good impression of Dolly as a person (as well as Reese's).
She excels at everything, her set at Glastonbury a few years ago was fantastic, she has improved so many lives, her Dollywood park gives employment for so many.
She is a US National Living Treasure, even if that isn't a US title. Her book programme has been wonderful. Je l'dore her. I just heard her Jolene song today.
Dolly's father was illiterate & ashamed of it, she started Imagination Library so that young children could learn to read in their most impressionable years. Dolly remembers where she comes from, and she still gives back to Tennessee. There is another famous Dolly quote: I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb... and I also know that I'm not blonde
I didn't realize that Dolly Parton had endometriosis, a disease that doctors like to chalk up to women's thoughts more often than to their bodies. I have a friend that is incontinent of urine and stool due to a botched surgery for endometriosis, a clamp was left in her body and nobody believed her when she had more pain after the surgery.
As for Dolly, she's a true inspiration and walks the walk. She gives back.
Mr Pudding welcomes all genuine comments - even those with which he disagrees. However, puerile or abusive comments from anonymous contributors will continue to be given the short shrift they deserve. Any spam comments that get through Google/Blogger defences will also be quickly deleted.
There is just no one like Dolly. She's a national treasure.
ReplyDeleteI wish she was British for she is much loved here too.
DeleteI only knew the tacky side of Parton. I didn't know about the side with great knowledge of what makes people tick.
ReplyDeleteDolly is a champion of the people.
DeleteMy youngest grandson received a Dolly book every month until his recent 5th birthday. They're great quality books covering a range of topics. It's a wonderful program.
ReplyDeleteI hope it has inspired in him a love of books.
DeleteDolly is the kind of Christian every Christian should aspire to be and not The Felon kind of Christians.
ReplyDeleteThere is only one good that The Felon would pray to. The one he sees in the mirror. This is in stark contrast to Dolly's selflessness in her charity work.
DeleteThe world could use a few more Dolly Partons. I've been a fan forever and if I ever won millions from Lotto I would do similar things here.
ReplyDeleteYou might even end up looking like Dolly.
DeleteDolly Parton is a great woman in all respects. She is someone to look up to. Some time ago, I came across a program on Netflix, a format that had Reese Witherspoon chatting to various famous ladies. Dolly was one of them, and their conversation was not only good fun to watch and listen to, but also gave a good impression of Dolly as a person (as well as Reese's).
ReplyDeleteShe is very far from the dumb blonde she might appear.
DeleteShe excels at everything, her set at Glastonbury a few years ago was fantastic, she has improved so many lives, her Dollywood park gives employment for so many.
ReplyDeleteThe Pope should consider conferring a sainthood.
DeleteGood for Dolly.
ReplyDeleteYes. Good for her though I doubt she was seeking personal recognition.
Delete"You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!" What a lovely lady.
ReplyDeleteDid you say that...or Dolly?
DeleteProbably the most memorable Donny quote. Brilliant.
DeleteDonny Trump?
DeleteApparently a prostitute in her town inspired her how to dress such.
DeleteIt is good to be able to laugh at yourself.
DeleteShe is a US National Living Treasure, even if that isn't a US title. Her book programme has been wonderful. Je l'dore her. I just heard her Jolene song today.
ReplyDeleteOf course she has also been a champion of LGBTQ rights - as well as something she did not choose - a gay icon.
DeleteDolly's father was illiterate & ashamed of it, she started Imagination Library so that young children could learn to read in their most impressionable years.
ReplyDeleteDolly remembers where she comes from, and she still gives back to Tennessee.
There is another famous Dolly quote: I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb... and I also know that I'm not blonde
She's a one-off isn't she and that quote shows both her intelligence and her sense of humour.
DeleteShe is amazing. And reading is so important.
ReplyDeleteWe all know that reading is important but Dolly did something about it!
DeleteDolly is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't she go for President?
DeleteDolly Parton is a true and real angel.
ReplyDeleteShe has become even more angelic as she has aged.
DeleteI didn't realize that Dolly Parton had endometriosis, a disease that doctors like to chalk up to women's thoughts more often than to their bodies. I have a friend that is incontinent of urine and stool due to a botched surgery for endometriosis, a clamp was left in her body and nobody believed her when she had more pain after the surgery.
ReplyDeleteAs for Dolly, she's a true inspiration and walks the walk. She gives back.
Sorry to hear about your friend's struggles. What an awful legacy to bear. But yes - Dolly certainly does give back.
DeleteI like Dolly's relentless positivity. She really is an amazing role model.
ReplyDeleteWhat a life she has led! Amazing really - just like her innate goodness.
DeleteThe world needs more Dolly.
ReplyDeleteMore Dolly and far less Donny please!
DeleteHer work in Rotherham moved me greatly x
ReplyDeleteDolly Parton and Rotherham seemed like a surreal combination.
DeleteIt is always gratifying to read about selfless acts by famous and wealthy people.
ReplyDeleteI really believe that she created her Imagination Library to improve literacy and not to polish her reputation. As you say - "selfless".
Delete