The lasting legacy behind Garth Brooks’ newest tribute

Alabama Life & CultureGarth Brooks found an unexpected way to honor Dolly PartonHosts Garth Brookes, left, and Dolly Parton speak onstage at the 58th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are launching “Dolly Day” at their Nashville venue, with all proceeds benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library literacy initiative. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)APBy Chris Pugh, cleveland.comAdvance Local Express DeskCountry music star Garth Brooks is creating a new annual tribute to Dolly Parton, directing the proceeds from a special event at his Nashville entertainment venue to the children’s literacy charity that became one of the late singer’s signature causes, USA TODAY reported. [usatoday.com], [garthbrooks.com]Brooks announced that his Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk will celebrate Sept. 25 as “Dolly Day,” with the day’s revenue benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Organizers selected Sept. 25 as a reference to Parton’s longtime hit song, “9 to 5,” creating a symbolic connection between the fundraising effort and one of her most recognizable works. [usatoday.com], [garthbrooks.com]The Nashville event is intended to honor Parton’s contributions beyond music, particularly her decades-long commitment to increasing access to books for young children. Brooks and his wife, fellow country artist Trisha Yearwood, said the fundraiser will focus entirely on supporting children’s literacy through the program Parton established in the mid-1990s, American Song Writer reported.According to the announcement, all money generated at the venue on Sept. 25 will be directed to the Imagination Library. Brooks and Yearwood also indicated they hope to make the tribute an annual tradition, ensuring ongoing support for a cause closely associated with Parton’s legacy. The announcement comes less than a week after Parton’s death at age 80. Representatives previously said the entertainment icon died Aug. 25 in Nashville following what was described as a brief battle with cancer. Her illness had not been publicly disclosed before her death, USA TODAY said.In the days leading up to her death, Parton had canceled a scheduled appearance at Dollywood, citing health concerns after doctors advised her against traveling. Reports indicated she had dealt with a variety of health complications in recent months. Parton’s family has encouraged supporters wishing to honor her memory to consider contributing to the Imagination Library, which she founded in 1995 in tribute to her father, who never learned to read or write. The initiative mails free books to children from birth through age 5 in participating communities.Over more than three decades, the program has expanded well beyond its East Tennessee roots. Organizers say the Imagination Library has provided more than 300 million books to children in several countries, making it one of the largest early-childhood literacy programs in the world. Parton was privately laid to rest Aug. 28, according to social media posts from family members. In a message shared online, her niece reflected on the singer’s lasting impact on those closest to her and described the family’s continued grief in the days following her death, USA TODAY reported.Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by AL.com staff.