Westerly Sun Column | Dolly Parton Was Larger Than Life

Millions of people around the world were saddened to learn about the passing of Dolly Parton on August 25th. It brought me right back to December of 2021, when Betty White passed away at the age of 99. Like Betty, Dolly Parton is part of the minuscule group of celebrities who seem to be universally adored by the public, regardless of age or political leanings. She was especially adored by librarians and educators, due to her continuous support and advocacy for children’s literacy.

Despite her small stature (she was just 5 feet tall), Parton was seemingly larger than life, known worldwide as a legendary musician, accomplished actress, and generous philanthropist. She was a little bit of everything! This is evident in the books and media by and about Dolly Parton in the library, which run the gamut from children’s books to cookbooks to a whole variety of biographies focusing on various aspects of her life.

The most recent book released by Parton is “Star of the Show: My Life on Stage” (2025), a photographic memoir that features over 350 photos, as well as memories and anecdotes penned by Parton. This was preceded by “Good Lookin’ Cookin’” (2024) a cookbook written alongside her sister Rachel, which offers 12 multi-course menus (with a focus on Southern comfort food) for entertaining all year long. In 2023, the world got a behind-the-scenes look into Parton’s iconic style with “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones”, and in 2020 she shared a glimpse of her personal life with the stories behind some of her most famous songs. All of these are available for checkout at the library.

Dolly Parton was a well-known philanthropist, generously donating to disaster relief efforts, medical research, and childhood literacy programs. Her “Imagination Library” initiative, which began in 1995, provides free age-appropriate books to children each month, from birth until their 5th birthday. The program begins with “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper, and ends with “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!” by Nancy L. Carlson, and more than 300 million books have been given to children since the program began. If you are over the age of 5, we’re pleased to say that you can also borrow these books with your library card.

As we mourn her death, we should also take the time to appreciate Dolly Parton’s life, and the legacy she left behind. From music CDs to children’s books and biographies, there is plenty to see, hear and explore at the library, to deepen your appreciation of the amazing life she lived.

By Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian