Just like her iconic and beloved hit “Coat of Many Colors,” Dolly Parton’s effect on our world is intricately woven. Her generosity, creativity, talent, and kindness is just part of what makes her an international icon.

On January 19th, 1946, Dolly Rebecca Parton was born as the fourth child of twelve. In a two-room log cabin in Sevier County, Dolly began her life surrounded by music. Church hymns, traditional mountain ballads sung by her mother, and the storytelling prevalent in her family’s life led Dolly to become someone incredibly influenced by music.

Fueled by faith and experiences of observing the poverty in which her family lived in, Dolly grew to sing of themes gathered around her. She was gifted a guitar by her uncle at age eight, sang on local radio stations at age ten, and performed at the Grand Ole Opry by age thirteen. After graduating high school in 1964, Dolly moved to Nashville where she began her career as a musician.

Between 1964 and 1980, Dolly produced many hit songs, won her first Grammy Award, and grew her public image. Dolly’s film debut began in 1980 when she starred in the movie “9 to 5”, in which she wrote the soundtrack for. After a few more years of starring in several other movies, Dolly refocused her energy on a bigger project: Dollywood.

This project began as hope for the economic growth of her hometown, as well as a want for the celebration of her Appalachian roots. With around 4,000 employees at the park today, Dollywood brought job opportunities for an area that once had a high unemployment rate. Dollywood offers roller coasters, live shows, festivals, southern food, and celebrates the culture of the Smokies.

“Recently, a core memory is that my daughter and I rode the Wild Eagle [for] the first time, and so then we were hooked,” science teacher Julie Bittinger said.

While Dollywood is what most people think of when they think of Dolly, the Imagination Library is considered to be one of her most impactful projects. Founded in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library fosters creativity and love for reading through mailing children free books from birth to the age of five. This gives families the opportunity to introduce their children to reading early, promoting early literacy readiness.

“Sure, a lot of parents who already have libraries for their kids sign up for the Imagination Library, but where it really matters is for the kids who don’t have that at home,” librarian Shannon Silvers said. “Also, the way the books arrive in the mail is exciting for kids and a stimulus for reading. How exciting is it to receive a monthly package in the mail at that age!”

This excitement is present for students in elementary schools in Bristol, Tennessee, even after their years of receiving the books are over. At Fairmount, 3rd graders Lola Wallace and Madilyn Silcox look back on their experiences with the Imagination Library.

“It always made me happy to get the Imagination Library books. Even before I could read, I liked looking at the pictures.” Madilyn said.

“I got books from Imagination Library when I was younger, and I actually still read them. I remember reading them on the porch with my family when the books would come in the mail. I miss getting the books now.” Lola said.

Fairmount’s librarian, Allyson Rutherford, reflects on how the Imagination Library has made a change for children and their feelings towards reading.

“By giving children access to high-quality books before they even start school, Dolly’s work sends the message that books are a gift.” Rutherford said.

In her career spanning over six decades, Dolly has accumulated 11 Grammy awards, been named as Billboard’s Greatest Country Artist of All Time, and achieved several Emmy nominations. She has written thousands of songs, with classics like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5” hitting numerous Billboard charts. She has sold over 100 million records. Her music connects with audiences of all types; listeners resonate with themes of hope, loss, love, faith, and resilience.

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” Dolly said.

Dolly’s impact goes beyond her captivating vocals, charitable characteristics, and backwoods Barbie image. She offers a refreshing take of people being able to use their platform to uplift and advocate for others. Her appeal is able to go beyond cultural boundaries and generations of audiences. Dolly Parton herself symbolizes authenticity, showing that everyone can make a difference in the world, one glittered and sequined-cowboy boot step at a time.

“You can’t take your millions with you when you die, and while a lot of millionaires’ life goal is to be a billionaire, Dolly uses hers for the good of the world.” Silvers said.