'Rotherham will always love you' – tributes pour in for Dolly Parton
Grief and gratitude for global superstar who left a local legacy
Tributes have poured in for Dolly Parton from across the borough following the country music superstar’s death which was announced by her family on social media this week.
Rotherham has an eternal connection with the multi-talented singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist who died aged 80 on Tuesday (August 25) to an outpouring of grief and gratitude from fans, celebrities, and fellow musicians.
More than two decades ago, the country superstar - who wrote hits including I Will Always Love You and Jolene - jetted into Rotherham in 2007 to launch her international children’s book scheme in the UK.
And residents and parents from across the borough recalled her generosity fondly, paying tribute on Facebook with Sarah Neal saying: “Her Book Library gave so many children in Rotherham such a wonderful gift.
“She was so generous and kind. RIP Dolly. Thank you for all that you gave x x” while Laura Wass shared: “The Imagination Library books - me and my son looked forward to receiving through the post every month!
“ I read on repeat most of them and kept the 'Dolly' one and other favourites as treasured memories and keepsakes forever!”
Sue Holmes recalled: “My daughter Charlotte loved getting these books. Thank you Dolly and thank you for all the wonderful things you did, you were a true legend.”
While in Rotherham, the hitmaker behind 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colours and Love is Like a Butterfly, 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 scheme went on to reach up to 85 per cent of Rotherham's under-five population, delivering hundreds of thousands of books.
Dolly, who won numerous Grammy Awards throughout her six-decade career, also stopped off for a visit at Rotherham Hospital.
Paying tribute, Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said: “Dolly visited Rotherham Hospital to present the very first UK Imagination Library book to one-day-old Emma Jarman and her family.
“Dolly may have been a global superstar, but we'll always remember the kindness and generosity she brought to our community.
“Thank you, Dolly. We will always love you.”
Dolly Parton was born in 1946 in Tennessee and went on to record 48 studio albums, selling more than 100m records.
As recently as June, the Advertiser reviewed a multi-award-winning Dolly Parton live band tribute show at Rotherham Civic Theatre – with its star performer saying she was “humbled” to tread the boards in the “extraordinary” venue.
Launched this year to mark Dolly's 80th birthday, the touring show features Kelly O’Brien performing multiple costume changes as she transforms through each era of the entertainer, musician, actor and performer’s journey – from her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to global superstardom.