Remembering Dolly Parton

Alexandria, VA (8/25/2026) - The United Way family is devastated by the news of Dolly Parton’s passing. Dolly was a superstar in every sense of the word—on the stage, screen, and the airwaves. But the only thing larger than her voice was her deeply generous spirit, which she used to bring people together all around the world.  

For more than 15 years, United Way has proudly partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide children with books and foster a love of learning. Through this work, we saw firsthand, Dolly’s deep belief that every child – no matter the circumstances – deserves the opportunity to learn, dream, and thrive. Today, the inspirational program spans five countries, and has provided more than 210 million books to 2.5 million children around the world.  

United Way will be forever grateful for Dolly’s partnership, friendship, and shared belief in making the world a better place. The world will miss Dolly. But her larger-than-life legacy will live on every time her irresistible voice comes on the radio, every time we see her bright smile flash across our screens, and every time a child picks up an Imagination Library book.  

On behalf of the entire United Way network, we extend our deepest condolences to Dolly’s family, friends, and the millions of people she touched. We are profoundly grateful for her partnership and friendship and the United Way family will be honored to help carry forward the spirit of generosity she embodied.