On Tuesday, Dolly Parton, a.k.a. the “Queen of Country Music”, passed away after a “brief battle” with cancer at the age of 80. Parton is renowned across the world for her work as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist whose career spanned over 60 years. With more than 100 million records sold, Parton is among the best-selling music artists of all time.
While Parton grew up Pentecostal with a preacher grandfather, her music and life clearly demonstrate a deep faith in God, humanity, and love for one’s neighbors.
Following her passing, the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville in East Tennessee mourned her as “one of our own,” noting that she was shaped by the local hills and mountain churches. “I am very sorry to hear of her passing, and I am praying for those who are mourning her loss,” said Bishop Mark Beckman. “She made a wonderful contribution to our world and our community, and she will be greatly missed.”
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was founded in 1995 in honor of her father, who never learned to read or write. In June, Governor Kehoe signed a state budget that provided $2 million in funding to the Imagination Library program so that free books continue to be provided to Missouri children enrolled in the program.