THE FRONT PORCH: Remembering Dolly

By Dakota Baker, RealWV

Dolly Parton left a lasting impact on Appalachia that will never be forgotten. 

She grew up in the small town of Sevierville, Tennessee, in the heart of the Appalachian region, and in an interview, Parton reminisced on her childhood, saying, “My dad taught us a great work ethic, and my mom taught us about music, and about the spiritual end of things. But, mama and daddy worked hard to raise a big ol’ family, and we were just like so many of our neighbors, everybody in that part of the country was poor people and just good people, just absolutely good people. And I think of mama and daddy all the time. I’ve carried them with me all the way through my life, and all those things from home that I remember, they keep me in touch and kept me from kind of going insane.”

Remembering her roots, Parton devotedly used her fame to give back to the people of Appalachia through both her charitable work and her personal connection to the region. One of her most well-known efforts is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides free books to young children and helps encourage a love of reading. 

Additionally, she helped families affected by the devastating 2016 wildfires in East Tennessee by providing financial assistance and support. Parton’s success gave her the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people facing difficult circumstances.

However, Dolly Parton’s mark on Appalachia was about more than money or fame. She helped change the way many people view our region and taught us to have pride in our Appalachian heritage. 

She showed us that success does not mean abandoning your roots. Instead, Parton carried her Appalachian identity with her throughout her life and left behind a legacy that continues to represent the strength, kindness, and heart of Appalachia.