History
Since its founding in 1988, The Dollywood Foundation has reflected Dolly Parton's lifelong belief that every child deserves the opportunity to dream, learn and succeed.
What began as a commitment to improving educational outcomes in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, has grown into an international nonprofit whose programs have touched millions of children and families around the world. Along the way, The Dollywood Foundation has remained grounded in the values that inspired its beginning: investing in children, strengthening communities and creating opportunities that last for generations.
Today, The Dollywood Foundation's mission is to share the life and legacy of Dolly Parton as an inspiration for children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.
Our Journey
The Dollywood Foundation is Established
Dolly Parton creates The Dollywood Foundation to inspire educational success among children in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee.
The Buddy Program
To help combat high school dropout rates, Dolly launches the Buddy Program. Every seventh and eighth grade student pairs with a "buddy," and each student who graduates receives $500 from Dolly herself.
The results are extraordinary. Dropout rates for participating classes fall from 35% to just 6%, while the program inspires the community to invest even further in supporting local students.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is Founded
Inspired by her father, who was unable to read or write, Dolly establishes Dolly Parton's Imagination Library with a vision of putting books into the hands of every young child in Sevier County.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Launches
The first Imagination Library books are gifted to Sevier County children in 1996, beginning a program that would eventually grow into an international movement through partnerships with thousands of local organizations.
Dolly Parton Scholarship
The Dollywood Foundation expands its commitment to education by establishing the Dolly Parton Scholarship. Each year, five Sevier County high school seniors receive $15,000 scholarships to pursue higher education while following their dreams.
Over the years, additional scholarships have been created to recognize exceptional students and celebrate significant milestones in the Foundation's work.
1 Million Books
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mailed one million books. It proved to be the first of many millions of books sent to children around the world.
Supporting Local Healthcare
Dolly helps raise $1 million for the Sevier County Hospital Birthing Unit, leading to the establishment of the Dolly Parton Center for Women's Services and expanding healthcare resources for families throughout the region.
My People Fund
Following the devastating Sevier County wildfires on November 28, 2016, Dolly asks The Dollywood Foundation to lead relief efforts for families who lost their primary homes.
Within two weeks, The Dollywood Foundation creates and launches the My People Fund, providing immediate financial assistance to affected families. More than $12 million is ultimately distributed, offering hope and support during one of the community's most difficult moments. Additional assistance also provides scholarships for graduating seniors whose homes were destroyed.
Growing the Mission
The Dollywood Foundation introduces Tennessee's Dolly Parton's Imagination Library specialty license plate, with proceeds supporting local Imagination Library partners across the state.
Later that year, Dolly releases I Believe in You, her first children's album, with proceeds benefiting The Dollywood Foundation and its educational mission.
Helping Communities Recover
Following Hurricane Helene, Dolly and her brands contribute more than $2 million to support relief and recovery efforts across North Carolina and Tennessee, continuing The Dollywood Foundation's long-standing commitment to helping communities when they need it most.
Looking Ahead
More than three decades after its founding, The Dollywood Foundation continues to build on Dolly Parton's enduring belief that small acts of kindness can create lasting change.
Whether inspiring a child's love of reading, supporting students as they pursue their dreams or helping families rebuild after disaster, The Dollywood Foundation remains committed to creating brighter futures—one child, one family and one community at a time.
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