You may have seen or read on the news today of the death of american singer/actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton.
What many people may not know is that when Dolly Parton launched her Imagination Library, giving free age-appropriate books to children from birth to 5, she would become inextricably linked with Rotary International, sharing goals of improving communities by enhancing children’s literacy and education. Dolly Parton’s Imagination library was launched in Tennessee in1995 and since 2009 Rotary Clubs have worked alongside the Imagination Library to bring books to children across the world, in the US, Canada the UK and Australia. Locally there are Imagination Libraries in Nottingham, South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire as well as elsewhere across D1220 and neighbouring Districts.
Dolly’s shared ideals and collaboration with Rotary earned her a PHF which was presented to her at the RI Convention in Montreal in 2010, when she appeared as a speaker.
As a Paul Harris Fellow, Dolly’s contribution to Rotary and her dedication to its values will remain a lasting part of her legacy. She will be greatly missed, but remembered with affection and gratitude.