Tennessee senators lead bipartisan resolution recognizing Parton’s contributions to music, philanthropy and communities.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, both R-Tenn., joined Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., in leading passage of a resolution honoring the life and legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton.
The resolution recognizes Parton’s contributions to music, philanthropy, literacy, education, health, conservation and American culture.
Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Blackburn said Parton represented Tennessee’s “Volunteer Spirit” and helped create opportunities for people through her work both on and off the stage.
“While there are no words to fully express the sorrow all Tennesseans feel in her loss, I hope this resolution plays at least a small part in ensuring that her legacy is never forgotten,” Blackburn said.
Hagerty highlighted Parton’s journey from the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains to international fame, as well as her impact through Dollywood and the Imagination Library.
“Dolly is truly a Tennessee legend,” Hagerty said. “She never forgot where she came from and left an indelible cultural and economic impact on our state. She will be very dearly missed.”
Cortez Masto pointed to Parton’s connections to Nevada, including her performances in Las Vegas and the reach of the Imagination Library.
“Dolly Parton was a legend, an icon, and an inspiration,” Cortez Masto said. “Today, we stand together to honor her contributions to American music, her lifetime of generosity and service, and her embrace of all people.”
Harshbarger said the resolution recognizes Parton’s East Tennessee roots and her lifelong commitment to giving back to the community where she was raised.
Parton grew up in Sevier County and built an internationally successful career as a singer, songwriter and entertainer. She opened Dollywood in 1986 in the Great Smoky Mountains, helping create jobs and attract visitors to the region.
She later established the Dollywood Foundation, which expanded into Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program provides free books to children in communities around the world.
The resolution is cosponsored by senators from both political parties, including John Kennedy, R-La.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Tina Smith, D-Minn.; Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.; John Hickenlooper, D-Colo.; Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo.; Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.; Jim Justice, R-W.Va.; Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.; Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.; Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb.
The resolution describes Parton’s influence as extending beyond music, recognizing a career marked by philanthropy, education, literacy and service to communities.
Link to read the full resolution
No responses yet