Dolly Parton's Legacy Honored in NYC with Book Donations for Nearly 1,000 Children

New York City celebrated Dolly Parton Appreciation Day on September 25, with nearly 1,000 children set to receive books throughout the year. Vanderbilt University announced a donation aimed at continuing Parton's dedication to early childhood education.

The initiative will provide books to 925 young Manhattanites, a number chosen to echo Parton's hit song "9 to 5." This effort highlights Parton's significant impact beyond her music career, emphasizing her commitment to literacy and empowering the next generation.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who proclaimed the day, stated that Parton was "a national treasure" who represented "the best of our nation" and was "one of us." He added, "She's a legend. One of the defining American icons."

Parton's philanthropic work includes the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that mails free books monthly to children from birth to age five. Her past contributions also include a $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2020, which aided in the early development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

During the appreciation day event, held at Vanderbilt University, Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels read Parton's children's book, "Coat of Many Colors," to kindergarten students. The children also received copies of "The Little Engine That Could," the inaugural book distributed by the Imagination Library. Another 925 children in Nashville will also benefit from Vanderbilt University's donation, bringing the total number of children receiving 12 free books over one year to 1,850 across both cities.

Representative Tony Simone noted Parton's profound understanding that "a book placed in a child's hand can change the whole shape of a life."