'A special link to Rotherham' – tributes continue to pour in for Dolly Parton
Venues and politicians pay tribute to 'fierce advocate for children’s education'
Tributes are continuing to pour in from across the borough thanking global icon Dolly Parton for her “lasting legacy” to the town.
Rotherham MP Sarah Champion said: “Deeply sad to hear of the death of Dolly Parton.
“She really was magnificent. Of course, she also had a direct contact with Rotherham via her free book scheme.
“Thank you for your music, your charity and your inspiration to so many. RIP xxx”
A spokesperson for Rotherham Council said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Dolly Parton.
“We remember her 2007 visit to Rotherham fondly, and will continue to remember her as a global icon and a fierce advocate for children’s education.
“Our condolences to her family, friends and fans at this time.”
In a post on social media entitled 'Remembering Dolly Parton and her Rotherham connection', Clifton Park Museum shared: “Like millions of people around the world, we were saddened to hear of the passing of country music legend and philanthropist Dolly Parton at the age of 80.
“Many may not know that Dolly has a special connection to Rotherham through her Imagination Library, a programme that provides free books to children each month and was launched in the UK in 2007.
“In our collection, we recently welcomed a display board from around 2008 featuring a photograph of Dolly at Rotherham Hospital, where she helped mark the local launch of the project.
“The board was originally displayed near the hospital's maternity ward and serves as a reminder of the positive impact her work has had on children and families.
“Dolly's legacy extends far beyond music.
“Through initiatives such as the Imagination Library, she inspired a lifelong love of reading in generations of children around the world.
“This object is a small but meaningful reminder of Dolly Parton's visit to Rotherham and the lasting impact of a programme that continues to put books into the hands of young readers.”
While in Rotherham in 2007, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist who died aged 80 on Tuesday (August 25), wowed the audience of business bosses, council officials, education experts and the world’s press when she took centre-stage at Magna in Templeborough to launch the literacy scheme.
The team at Magna posted in tribute: “We were deeply saddened to hear the passing of Dolly Parton last night.
“Alongside her iconic music, Dolly was a known philanthropist who had a special link to the Rotherham area.
“In 2007, she launched the Imagination Library in the UK following its success in the USA - a scheme that made sure pre-school children in the area received a free book, every month.
“Dolly sang at the launch event, which took place right here at Magna.
“May she rest in peace and continue to live through her legacy.”