The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce joins people around the world in remembering and celebrating the extraordinary life of Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80.
Dolly Parton was so much more than an entertainment icon. She was a songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, businesswoman, dreamer and, above all, a woman who used her success to create opportunities for others. She was truly a role model for all of us, and her legacy is one we can all be proud of.
From her humble beginnings in the mountains of East Tennessee to becoming one of the most recognized and beloved women in the world, Dolly never seemed to forget where she came from or the people she could help along the way. She wrote hundreds of songs, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, built successful businesses and became one of the most celebrated entertainers of her generation.
But some of her greatest accomplishments happened far beyond the spotlight.
Inspired by her father, who could not read or write, Dolly created the Imagination Library to put books into the hands of children and give them the opportunity to dream. The program grew from her home county in Tennessee into an international literacy movement that has distributed more than 330 million books to children. Her philanthropy also extended to education, healthcare, disaster relief and countless other causes throughout her lifetime.
That may tell us more about Dolly Parton than any award ever could.
She understood that true success is not simply what we accomplish for ourselves—it is what we make possible for others.
“Dolly Parton represented everything we hope to inspire in women—dream big, work hard, remain true to who you are and, when you achieve success, use it to lift others. She showed generations of women that you can be a brilliant businesswoman, a compassionate leader and completely yourself. Her generosity, authenticity and joyful spirit made the world better, and her legacy will continue to inspire us for generations.”
— Suzan Deison, Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce
For generations of women, Dolly demonstrated the power of being unapologetically yourself. She built an extraordinary career on her own terms, combined strength with kindness, never lost her sense of humor, and refused to allow anyone else to define her worth or limit her dreams.
At the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, we celebrate women who lead, inspire, open doors and lift others as they rise. Dolly Parton embodied all those qualities.
She showed us that a woman can be ambitious and compassionate, glamorous, and substantive, a brilliant businesswoman and a generous philanthropist. Most importantly, she showed us that success carries an opportunity and perhaps a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it.
We will remember the music. We will remember the rhinestones, the unmistakable voice, the laughter, and the wonderful sense of humor.
But her greatest legacy may be found in the millions of people who dreamed a little bigger, believed a little more in themselves, or had an opportunity they might not otherwise have had because Dolly Parton chose to give back.
Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the joy, the generosity, and the example you set for women everywhere. Your light will continue to shine for generations to come. We will always love you, Dolly.