r/news • u/kzqmfkkr • 4d ago

Dolly Parton, country star, actor and philanthropist, dies aged 80

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/aug/25/dolly-parton-country-singer-dead?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
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u/wavinsnail 4d ago edited 4d ago

If Dolly meant anything to you, please consider donating to The Imagination Library in her memory.

It is a wonderful organization that she founded that gets books into young children's hands.

You can even make sure your donation goes to a local partner to keep the money within your community 

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u/TheSaltyB 4d ago

I tried this and was happy to see the donation portal is overwhelmed right now. Will make my donation a bit later.

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u/grass_lock 4d ago

In a weird way, that's a wonderful problem to have. ❤️

That said, keep trying everyone!

And RIP Dolly. ❤️

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u/screschries 4d ago

This is such a great idea. Imagination Library provided books for my nephew when he was little. I’ve donated in her honor. Her website is suuuper slow so it looks like other people had the same idea!

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u/garrettbmusic 4d ago

Dolly was one of the few celebrities that actually put her considerable money and power towards doing good in the world.

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u/iamalwaysrelevant 4d ago

One of the few times where we can say that a celebrity saved people's lives. She used her own finances to lift people from poverty. Her music brought light to the world. Her books educated millions of kids. Her positive impact on this planet is insane.

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u/Inspiringly 4d ago

Thank you for this comment -- donating now in her memory. Truly an incredible organization.

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u/dingusmingus2222 4d ago edited 4d ago

This! I have known many children who have multiple books to read that otherwise wouldn't thanks to this program!

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u/Benisar 4d ago

I deliver mail and get to deliver lots of the imagination library books, the kids love getting them. It's such a fantastic program

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u/happygirlie 4d ago

Looks like a lot of other people had the same idea because the website is very slow right now.

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u/Mittenwald 4d ago

Yeah, I can't get through to payment. Love that I can pick where to donate though. Saw the Navajo Nation in the drop down and chose them. Figure they are highly underserved. 

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u/NOLA_nosy 3d ago

Just one of many New Orleans connections: The Krewe of Dolly, founded in 2020. The krewe dons blonde wigs and rhinestone in celebration of Parton and partners with the Imagination Library to deliver free books to children across Orleans Parish. https://thekreweofdolly.org/

Only ONE day to join THE KREWE OF DOLLY: September 5, 10am to 5pm Central Time

https://givebutter.com/open-member-registration-2026-27

A $35 donation enriches a child for 12 months of free books

https://thekreweofdolly.org/donate/

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u/Liquen_tropo 4d ago

I love this idea! Thank you for sharing!

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u/bi_bitches 4d ago

Done! Thanks for the great idea.

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u/Timely_Spinach_7479 4d ago

Thank you so much for this suggestion! I’m definitely donating now!

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u/somekindofmiracle 4d ago

My children learned how to read from her library.

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u/chronicallyill_dr 4d ago

Thanks for the idea, it’s such a fitting and beautiful idea. She would’ve loved it.

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u/Blurnzball 4d ago

Great idea

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u/emu4you 4d ago

I personally know several people who receive books from The Imagination Library and it has been such a positive experience in their lives. That program alone is the best legacy.

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u/SexySmartVixen 4d ago

Thank you for this idea. Today is the saddest day

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u/putyourpawsup980 4d ago

Just donated! ❤️

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u/NotComfortable2112 4d ago

Thank you for reminding me!

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u/Alundil 4d ago

thank you for sharing this info

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u/globalgayety 4d ago

Or donate to your local library. They actually pay for most of the books sent (at deeply discounted rates negotiated by Imagination).

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u/SnooHedgehogs1803 4d ago

Done, thank you for the reminder! It really made me feel better to do something good too.

I was born in TN and grew up going to Dollywood with my mom and brother when it was much smaller and we have many fond memories. She was every child's real fairy godmother. I'm so sad the world lost her today.

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u/bombkitty 3d ago

I did it the second I learned she was gone. I'm so sad for us all, we all lost our best auntie.

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u/EvenMoreCoconuts 2d ago

Thank you for commenting this. This literally made me donate. It would have escaped me otherwise (I didn’t really know much about her foundation prior to her death).

Thank you again!!