Dolly Parton’s unlikely love for Rotherham – and why she even wanted to live there

| Live News reporter Published August 26, 2026 1:09pm Updated August 26, 2026 1:16pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Dolly Parton might be one of the biggest country music stars in the world, but not many people are aware of the singer’s surprising connection to South Yorkshire. Yesterday, it was revealed that the global icon and singer died at the age of 80. Born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, she became known to the world as a songwriter, humanitarian, philanthropist, actress and author. However, in 2007, Dolly unexpectedly developed a love affair for Rotherham after taking her global book-gifting programme, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to the Yorkshire town. In a BBC Sounds clip, Dolly said: ‘It’s out in an area where there’s lots of hard-working people, poor people, and I totally related to Rotherham. ‘I’m so glad that we started there because that was really more of a heart spot for me because I related to the people. Dolly Parton visited Rotherham in 2007 as part of her children’s literacy scheme (Picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire) The US country singer said she became very fond of Rotherham as she related to the town (Picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire) ‘I know that’s out in an industrial area. They were making fun of me for going out there, and I thought do you know what, don’t make fun of me I was even looking for a little apartment. ‘I thought when I go that would be a great place for me to go and hide out. ‘So you never know, you may be walking down the streets of Rotherham and see me.’ Her passion for children’s literacy saw her launch the Imagination Library in 1995, which provided children in her home county with a free book every month from birth until they turned five. Dolly herself grew up in poverty as one of 12 children in a family where money was scarce and working on the farm was a necessity. Often, at times, work became the priority over education. However, after the project became an international programme, Dolly visited Rotherham to put books directly into the hands of young children and encourage families to read together. Dolly performed a song at the launch of her Imagination Library in Rotherham (Picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire) The singer, author and actress died at the age of 80 (Picture: Getty Images) Dolly previously spoke about the importance of her father, who could not read or write, and her determination to give children access to the opportunities that literacy provides. From remote communities in Alaska to children in Nottingham and other parts of the UK, thousands of young readers have been reached by the scheme. Speaking about the project, Dolly said that the books were a way of giving children a head start in life following her childhood. Deals of the Day Shop MySweetSmile's biggest Bank Holiday offers before they end Back-to-school shopping just got a lot cheaper thanks to Primark The back-to-school essential parents forget every year – and it could cost them Simba's cooling mattresses are now up to 30% off ahead of the bank holiday The best hosepipe ban-friendly products to protect your garden this summer While Rotherham seemed like an unlikely chapter in the life of one of America’s most famous singers, Dolly’s 2007 visit showed how far her passion for children reading had travelled. Arrow MORE: Dolly Parton showed cruel billionaires the right way to be rich Arrow MORE: Devastating moment 9 to 5 The Musical audience told Dolly Parton has died Arrow MORE: Dolly Parton’s heartbreaking confession days before her death: ‘I have more to achieve’