Photo of Dolly Parton from 1977
The New Yorker
Dolly Parton And Her Legacy
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
“I like to cook, and I love to bake…” - Dolly Parton
On August 25th, 2026, horrible news struck the world. The beloved Dolly Parton had died. The iconic singer, most known for the hit single, “Jolene,” played a major role in American music and songwriting. Born in Tennessee, she portrayed her country roots through albums like Coat of Many Colors (1971), Jolene (1974), The Grass Is Blue (1999), and more.Her talent for composition and vocals was seen in the 100+ million records she sold, solidifying herself as one of the best selling artists of all time.
Dolly Parton’s music also played a big role in the Drama department of EBHS. EBHS students and alumni in Lunchtime, the band, had a habit of spontaneously breaking into “Berry Pie,” with everyone joining in until the song took over the room.
For Senior Rowan Meer, a member of Lunchtime, these moments became part of what made the band memorable. “We would randomly start singing Dolly Parton’s ‘Berry Pie.’ We’d all just go, “I like to cook, and I love to bake bread and cookies and pies and cake. That song would be heard anywhere we were, and that made her a core part of our band.”
Throughout her career, Parton always gave back. One of her most recognizable efforts is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which began with a simple goal: putting books into the hands of children. What started as a local program in Tennessee grew into an international initiative, giving children access to books regardless of their income.
EBHS Senior Jillian Wolf said, “I believe that Dolly Parton has impacted people beyond her music because of how much she has done for other people. Whether it was helping students through donating to COVID-19 research or the Imagination Library, she always seemed to find ways to use her success to give back. I think that says a lot about the kind of person she was and the legacy she leaves behind.” .
Through programs such as the Buddy Program, she worked to encourage students to stay in school and pursue their futures. At Dollywood, that commitment continued with educational benefits that help employees pursue college. Rather than simply donating money, Parton repeatedly invested in giving people the tools and opportunities to build better lives.
Her generosity also reached people facing crises. After devastating wildfires hit her home region of Tennessee, Parton stepped in to support affected families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for research, contributing to work that supported the development of the Moderna vaccine.
The most remarkable part of Parton’s legacy is how connected she was to her roots while becoming a global celebrity by finding ways to turn her platform into opportunities for others. Dolly Parton will not just be remembered for her music, but for her generosity. She will always have a special place in EB–through the spirit of generosity she inspired in the new generation, and the “Berry Pie” singalongs during band practice.
