Associated Press File Photo – Dolly Parton displayed the pin on her jacket during a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation. This foundation distributes free books to all Tennessee children up to age five, marking an important step in fostering literacy from early childhood. This celebration took place in Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 30, 2014.
Dolly Parton has earned many titles after her passing: a music icon, cultural icon, business icon, and a champion of childhood literacy. She is recognized as one of America’s great philanthropists. An important addition to her legacy is serving as a civic icon, though not a political figure. Dolly consciously avoided influencing Americans on voting decisions or everyday controversies. Instead, she led through action, addressing needs as they arose.
In her home county, when children lacked access to books, she distributed them. When teenagers faced difficulties graduating from high school, she created incentives to encourage graduation. When her community needed employment opportunities, she contributed to building an amusement park. When families lost their properties due to wildfires, she provided financial assistance.
Dolly’s actions embody a civic philosophy, even if she never labeled it as such. Her approach was proactive, driven by the question: What can I do? While self-government often revolves around political frameworks, it also relies on individual initiative and belief in one’s ability to act. Dolly held that belief.
Dolly Parton’s father, Lee Parton, was illiterate. In 1995, Dolly honored him by tackling literacy challenges in Sevier County, Tenn. She initiated the Imagination Library, distributing books monthly from birth until kindergarten to promote literacy. This program began in Tennessee and expanded globally, providing hundreds of millions of books to children worldwide.
Her response to school dropout rates in Sevier County was especially clever. She launched the Buddy Program. Middle school students selected a friend, and both committed to graduating high school. Upon successful graduation, Dolly awarded each participant $500. This program not only motivated students with a financial reward but also encouraged peer responsibility.
Historically, Alexis de Tocqueville observed that Americans banded together to solve problems. They organized, fundraised, and sought solutions. Civil society often seems abstract, but at its core, it involves collaboration, which Dolly mastered splendidly.
Dolly’s civic imagination extended beyond traditional philanthropy. Rather than distancing herself from her roots after achieving success, she continued investing in East Tennessee. Her vision addressed the broader needs of the community, such as employment and economic stimulus. Her most ambitious project was Dollywood, an amusement park that combined commerce with civic responsibility.
Dollywood illustrates the fusion of business acumen and civic virtue. Dolly understood markets well, ensuring she retained rights to her music, which allowed her to prosper by delivering products people wanted. Her ambition and generosity were synergistic, mirroring her individualism while embracing community responsibility.
During the 2016 wildfires in Sevier County, Dolly established the My People Fund, providing direct financial assistance to families who lost their homes. This act of empowerment respected her neighbors, trusting them to identify their needs and utilize resources accordingly.
While government plays a crucial role in society, a free society thrives when citizens actively address local challenges. Self-government encourages taking initiative locally by asking: What needs doing? How can I contribute? Whom can I involve?
Actions can be small: helping a neighbor, joining an organization, coaching a team. Sometimes they are grand, like establishing Dollywood. Dolly never lectured on citizenship; she demonstrated it through joy-filled actions, embracing humor and community dedication.
Her lifetime contributions embodied the essence of distinctive individuality intertwined with confidence in others and their potential for goodness. At a time when trust in institutions wanes, Dolly’s life suggests we may have also lost confidence in our collective abilities.
Do we believe we can unite people and bring improvement? Dolly did. If a child needs a book, send one. If a teenager requires motivation to stay in school, provide it. If your hometown demands jobs, create opportunities. If neighbors lose homes, assist in rebuilding.
Dolly Parton didn’t leave behind a formalized theory of citizenship. She offered a model based on freedom, responsibility, generosity, and action. It’s important that among all her accolades, we honor Dolly Parton as a civic icon.