Dolly Parton

A Life of Music, Memories, Kindness & Giving

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Her commitment to children and literacy was rooted in her own childhood and her father's inability to read.

Dolly Parton, the beloved country music legend whose voice, humor, generosity and unmistakable sparkle touched generations around the world, passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80.

Born in rural Tennessee in 1946, Dolly grew up in a large family with very little materially, but with an abundance of music, faith, family and determination. Those humble beginnings would become an important part of the story she carried with her throughout her remarkable life.

Dolly's extraordinary career spanned more than six decades. She became one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in history, writing and performing songs that became part of the soundtrack of American life, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her music crossed generations and genres, earning her numerous awards and recognition as one of the world's most influential entertainers.

But Dolly's legacy cannot be measured by music alone.

She believed deeply in the power of education, books and giving back. Through the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, millions of children around the world received books at no cost. Her commitment to children and literacy was rooted in her own childhood and her father's inability to read. The Imagination Library ultimately distributed more than 300 million books to children globally.

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Beneath the rhinestones, big hair and larger-than-life personality was someone who never seemed to forget where she came from.

Her generosity extended to disaster relief, health care, education, medical research and countless other causes. She used her success not simply to build an extraordinary career, but to create opportunities and hope for others.

Dolly also built a lasting legacy through Dollywood, the beloved Tennessee theme park that celebrates her Appalachian roots and has become an important part of the region's culture and economy.

Perhaps what made Dolly so beloved was that beneath the rhinestones, big hair and larger-than-life personality was someone who never seemed to forget where she came from. She embraced being uniquely herself while encouraging others to dream, work hard, laugh often and help those around them.

Her legacy reminds us that kindness is always in style, dreams are worth working for, and success means more when it is used to lift others up.

A Celebration of Dolly Parton: Music, Memories & Reading

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Her legacy reminds us that kindness is always in style, dreams are worth working for, and success means more when it is used to lift others up.

In honor of Dolly's remarkable life and the joy she brought to so many, Einan's at Hillcrest invites our community to join us for a special open house celebrating her music, memories and lifelong love of reading.

📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026 ⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM — Open House 📍 Einan's at Hillcrest 9353 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick, WA

Come share in an evening celebrating Dolly's extraordinary life and legacy.

✨ Wear your favorite Dolly shirt 🎶 Share a favorite Dolly memory 📚 Bring a children's book to donate to Mid-Columbia Reading Foundation 💕 Enjoy refreshments and time together

We hope you'll join us as we remember a woman who showed the world that you can be glamorous and genuine, successful and humble, and still make room to help others along the way.

Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that will never fade—because her music lives on, her stories continue to inspire, and the kindness she planted in the world will continue to grow.

“The magic is inside you, there ain't no crystal ball.”

Rest well, Dolly. And thank you for the music, the memories, the laughter, the books—and all the rhinestones.

Please donate to the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - Donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library