How Dolly Parton helped the world - from children's books to supporting Covid vaccine

Dolly Parton's impact goes beyond her music, as she has been a dedicated philanthropist throughout her life. Her Imagination Library program, launched in 1995, has sent free books to millions of children worldwide, inspiring them to learn to read. The program was inspired by her father, who could not read or write, and was established with the help of her father.

Parton's charitable efforts also include funding medical research that led to one of the first Covid-19 vaccines, donating to wildfire victims, and helping the bald eagle, America's national bird. The Imagination Library now serves children in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, and Australia, with over 332.4 million books distributed.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Parton encouraged vaccinations and donated $1 million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center for vaccine research. She was honored with the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2022 for her dedication to helping others.