Dolly Parton’s Charity Knew No Bounds

On Tuesday, Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver announced that the 80-year-old global icon had died , immediately jumpstarting a tidal wave of tributes from fans, friends, and the musical voices who count her as an integral inspiration.

Since her start in the music industry in the 1960s, Parton used her working-class roots and rhinestone personality to redefine what success in the country music world could look like. With hits “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Parton cemented her place in music history with a charming ease, shining from venue to venue; on records, television, stages, and eventually the big screen. She was inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. But the legacy Parton leaves behind is one that extends far beyond her musical prowess.

The East Tennessee native was a longtime ally of marginalized groups and a dedicated philanthropist who developed a reputation for using her vast wealth to give back whenever she could. Parton’s passion projects were wide-ranging, from literacy and graduation rates in her home state to bald eagle conservation to donations for the development of Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine.

And yet the biggest evidence of Parton’s heart is the stories that people will never know: the quietly passed checks, secretly bought high school uniforms, delivered flowers, paid rents, and financed educations. The singer was so well known for helping out that fake stories are hard to refute, because even extraordinary acts of kindness sound like something Parton would do.

In 2022, she accepted the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. “I just give from my heart,” Parton said. “I never know what I’m going to do or why I’m gonna do it. I just see a need and if I can fill it, then I will.”

Rolling Stone spoke with the organizations Parton was closest with to discuss the singer’s contributions, her philanthropic legacy, and her limitless heart. Editor’s picks The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

Fame can change folks. But for the people of Sevier County, Tennessee, where Parton grew up, the singer’s fame only enriched their community.

For former Sevier County historian Carroll McMahan, 76, his memories of the superstar begin during his time at Sevier County High School. He was a freshman when Parton was a senior and tells Rolling Stone that her philanthropy to the county began well before she was ever a household name. “Even when she had very little, she was always a giving person,” he says. “She had determination like no one I’ve ever known.”

“We’ve been a tourist area since the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park back in 1934. But the biggest catalyst to the tourism industry since the park was established was when Dollywood opened [in 1986],” he adds. “The opportunities, the jobs it created — it made all the difference.”

In 1988, Parton started the Buddy System at the high school, putting students in pairs and offering them $500 scholarships for every pair that graduated together.