Res. No. 702
Resolution commemorating the life and legacy of Dolly Parton and recognizing her extraordinary contributions to music, philanthropy, child literacy, entrepreneurship, and American culture
By Council Member Wilson, the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams), Council Member Narcisse and Hanif
Whereas, Born to Avie Lee and Robert Lee Parton on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential and beloved entertainers, songwriters, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists in American history; and
Whereas, Robert Lee Parton worked as a sharecropper and laborer to support his large family, while Avie Lee Parton nurtured her children through storytelling, music, and faith, instilling in Parton the creativity, resilience, and compassion that would define her life and career; and
Whereas, Growing up as one of twelve children in rural Appalachia, Parton developed a strong sense of self, an unwavering work ethic, and an enduring belief in the value of family, community, and giving back to others; and
Whereas, A gifted singer with a vivid imagination, Parton began performing as a child in church and on local radio and television programs throughout East Tennessee, and by the age of 13 had appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, demonstrating extraordinary promise as both a vocalist and songwriter; and
Whereas, Immediately after graduating from Sevier County High School in 1964, Parton moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career in music, marking the beginning of a professional journey that would span more than six decades and leave an indelible mark on American culture; and
Whereas, Parton's earliest successes came as a songwriter, with compositions recorded by artists including Bill Phillips and Skeeter Davis before she emerged as a celebrated recording artist in her own right; and
Whereas, Her national breakthrough came in 1967 when she joined The Porter Wagoner Show, introducing her talents to audiences across the country and establishing her as one of country music's most recognizable performers; and
Whereas, Throughout her remarkable career, Parton earned worldwide acclaim for her artistry, receiving numerous honors including 11 Grammy Awards, induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a Kennedy Center Honor, while becoming one of the most successful singer-songwriters in music history; and
Whereas, Her best-known recordings, including “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Here You Come Again,” “9 to 5,” and “Islands in the Stream,” transcended generations and continue to shape American music and culture; and
Whereas, Through talent, determination, and entrepreneurial vision, Parton transformed her success in entertainment into a business empire that created jobs, strengthened local economies, and expanded opportunities for countless individuals and families; and
Whereas, Among her most significant business achievements was the creation and expansion of Dollywood, which evolved into one of the nation's premier theme park destinations and generated substantial economic development throughout East Tennessee while reflecting Parton's enduring commitment to investing in her home community; and
Whereas, Parton's entrepreneurial endeavors were rooted in her belief that success should benefit others, and she consistently used her influence and resources to support education, working families, economic development, and community well-being; and
Whereas, In 1995, Parton founded Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a literacy initiative inspired in part by her father's inability to read and write, with the goal of providing free books to young children and fostering a lifelong love of reading; and
Whereas, The Imagination Library has since grown into one of the world's most successful literacy programs, distributing hundreds of millions of books and expanding access to early childhood literacy and educational opportunity for families across the United States and around the globe; and
Whereas, Parton's philanthropy extended far beyond literacy and included support for public health initiatives, disaster relief, educational scholarships, community development, and countless charitable causes, earning her recognition as one of the most impactful philanthropists of her generation; and
Whereas, Throughout her life, Parton remained committed to bringing people together across differences, earning admiration from Americans of all backgrounds and emphasizing compassion, service, and humanity over politics and division; and
Whereas, Her character and integrity earned widespread respect across the political spectrum, and although she was reportedly considered for the Presidential Medal of Freedom on multiple occasions, Parton expressed reluctance to accept such honors, citing a desire to remain nonpartisan and true to her belief that her work should unite rather than divide people; and
Whereas, Parton's influence extended far beyond her native Tennessee and country music, and in 1978 she was presented with the Key to the City of New York (NYC or the “City”) by Mayor Ed Koch in recognition of her cultural contributions and extraordinary popularity in the City; and
Whereas, Parton's relationship with NYC continued throughout her career through celebrated performances at Carnegie Hall, her successful adaptation of 9 to 5 for the Broadway stage, and the enduring admiration New Yorkers held for her as both an artist and humanitarian; and
Whereas, Even in the final chapter of her life, Parton remained devoted to inspiring future generations through DOLLY: A True Original Musical, a Broadway production based on her life and career that she helped develop and that is scheduled to begin previews in NYC in December 2026, ensuring that her story and music continue to reach new audiences; and
Whereas, On August 25, 2026, Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance from admirers around the world who celebrated her extraordinary contributions to music, philanthropy, business, literature, and American culture; and
Whereas, In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to music, literacy, philanthropy, and public life, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President, proclaimed September 25, 2026, as “Dolly Parton Appreciation Day,” while Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, designated September 25 as “Dolly Parton Day” throughout New York State, honoring a woman whose generosity, creativity, and compassion touched millions of lives; and
Whereas, Through her music, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, advocacy for literacy, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Dolly Parton created a legacy that transcends entertainment and stands as a lasting testament to the transformative power of kindness, perseverance, and service; now, therefore, be it.
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York commemorates the life and legacy of Dolly Parton and recognizes her extraordinary contributions to music, philanthropy, child literacy, entrepreneurship, and American culture.
LS #26111
10/16/26
M.B.