Dolly Parton and Her Charity Work

Happy 80th birthday Dolly Parton!

The country music icon reached the landmark age on January 19.

Although she is known across the globe for her distinct voice and hits like Jolene, 9 to 5 and Coat of Many Colors, Dolly is also one of the most charitable celebrities.

Parton has donated a huge amount of time and money to help those in need over her illustrious career, these are some of her most charitable acts...

1. COVID-19 research donation

She donated $1 million to help fund research about COVID-19 when the world was impacted by the pandemic.

Her donation to the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation in Tennessee helped those conducting the research to create a vaccine.

When a successful vaccine was finally created, Parton spoke of her relief on The One Show. She said: "I’m a very proud girl today to know I had anything at all to do with something that’s going to help us through this crazy pandemic."

2. Dollywood Foundation

In 1988, Dolly founded the Dollywood Foundation, which was created to help children with their education. Today it helps children all over the world, by providing free books and scholarships to under privileged kids.

3. Imagination Library

The Imagination Library was founded in 1995. It distributes books to children all over the world for free, from the moment they are born until they start school. The library sends out an impressive, 1 million books per month! Parton was inspired to create Imagination Library by her father. When growing up, he didn't have access to books so struggled with reading and writing.

4. Goodnight with Dolly Series

The 9 to 5 hitmaker has always had a passion for reading, not only has she founded the Imagination Library but she also reads bedtime stories to little kids. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parton released the Goodnight With Dolly series on YouTube, where she read bedtime stories for children. Parton wanted to help distract people during a difficult time so she also released parent reading guides and activity sheets.

5. Eagle Mountain Reserve

In 1991, Parton opened Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood. Working with the American Eagle Foundation, the sanctuary provides a home for bald eagles and is the largest in the country. The eagles can be seen by visitors who can also enjoy watching the Wings of America Birds of Prey show.