Dolly Parton to receive honorary doctorate (Knoxville: amusement park, home, high school)

[JMT]

At the University of Tennessee's spring commencement on May 9, the College of Arts and Sciences is going to bestow an honorary doctorate on Dolly Parton. The degree is "Doctor of Humane and Musical Letters." From the email we received today from U.T.'s chancellor:

"Her life's work as an entertainer, philanthropist and cultural
ambassador for this state uniquely distinguish her as a person worthy of
this honor, and she would be only the second recipient of an honorary
doctorate from UT Knoxville.

"Ms. Parton's achievements in entertainment are well-known, and over her
career, the Sevier County native has become the most successful female
country music artist in history. Along with great success in several
musical genres, she has earned acclaim for her work in television, on
film and on Broadway.

"Ms. Parton is dedicated to East Tennessee and consistently sensitive to
the needs of its communities, particularly in education at all levels.
For more than 30 years, she has provided incentives for graduation and
college scholarships for Sevier County students, giving them
opportunities beyond high school and a chance for a college education.

"Ms. Parton founded the Imagination Library in Sevier County in 1996,
providing an age-appropriate book to children every month -- from birth
to 5 years. The program now serves 1,000 communities in 47 states, the
United Kingdom and Canada, distributing more than 5 million books a
year.

"In addition to her philanthropic work, Ms. Parton has served as a
cultural ambassador for this region and this state throughout the world.

"Because of her career not just as a musician and entertainer, but also
for her role as a cultural ambassador, philanthropist and lifelong
advocate for education, it is fitting that she be honored with an
honorary degree from the flagship educational institution of her home
state. It will be a memorable ceremony for students and faculty alike."

[2mares]

Good deal. I have been a fan of Dolly since the first time I saw her on the Porter Wagnor show when I was a kid.

[Forest Breath]

I think this is fantastic and well deserving. She does give back to her community and has not forgotten her roots. I think she is a great person and I just adore her. I have always said she is on my list of top 3 people I would love to spend the day with. Great choice UT!

[Rach1966]

she would be only the second recipient of an honorary
doctorate from UT Knoxville.

who was their first?

[akm4]

Bravo, UT! Thanks for posting, JMT.

Put her filmwork, songs she has written and performed, amusement park, etc. aside, and she would still be Tennessee's sweetheart. I mean, when I think of how many books she has put into little children's hands.....awe-inspiring. She's a treasure.

[sandgirl]

Good for her

[jguillot]

Nice lady! I'm happy for Dolly.

[Forest Breath]

Sen. Howard Baker Jr was the first one in 2007 (weird choice I think)

I can attest to the value of the books sent to kids. My grandson is 3 1/2 years old and gets a book every month. They are high quality books with good messages to them. He looks forward to them and has quite a collection now. When his new book arrives, he gets very excited and has his Mama read it to him right away. He has developed a great love for books and I attribute that partly to the Imagination Library.

[mbmouse]

Great job UT! I am always in awe of what she does for her home town community and all kids. She is defiantly one classy lady. Dr. Dolly.....has a nice ring to it.

[Resilientsmile]

She's adorable. This sort of recognition makes me love TN even more...I hope I get there soon...

..I wasn't familiar with all of her community initiatives, but the book deal sounds wonderful. As an aspiring teacher, I really respect that.