Mississippians remember Dolly Parton and her lasting legacy

Sam Haskell first met Parton at the 1982 Golden Globe Awards. They bonded over college football after Parton learned Haskell attended the University of Mississippi and mentioned that her husband, Carl Dean, was a fan of the Rebels. Haskell went on to represent Parton as her agent for 15 years until 2005, and the two stayed in close contact and continued collaborating for decades.

Haskell recalled the singer’s profound kindness and philanthropic devotion, particularly her efforts to fund scholarships for students. “She donated her time and her talents and her treasure so that we could sell that and make money for the underprivileged,” Haskell said.

Parton partnered with Haskell on three major charitable initiatives in Mississippi: the Imagination Library, Stars Over Mississippi, and the Ole Miss Women’s Council. Through these efforts, she helped raise scholarship funds for students in need. Haskell called working with her an “absolute dream” and said he deeply valued their friendship.

Stars Over Mississippi 

In 2000, Parton visited Amory to raise funds for the America Patriot School Scholarship Foundation, an organization named in honor of Haskell’s mother to help underprivileged students attend college. Haskell said Parton decided to participate after watching a 1998 PBS special on the initiative.

“It was like Christmas! It was like Santa Claus is actually coming to my home. She’s magic, she’s rhinestone, she’s beauty, she is love and kindness, she’s all that and the people just went crazy,” said Haskell.

During her visit, Parton met with local business owners and families across town. She even walked around in disguise to experience Amory quietly before making a grand appearance in the parade and on stage. Thousands traveled to the small town to see the star-studded lineup. Katie Holladay was just 8 years old when she met Parton. Holladay recalled the interaction feeling like “visiting an aunt,” complete with a warm hug from the star. During rehearsals, Holladay experienced a once-in-a-lifetime moment when Parton called her on stage to sing “9 to 5” alongside her.

“Life’s kind of hard when you peak at 8 years old,” said Holladay. “Because singing with Dolly was a once in a lifetime opportunity." Holladay said she continues to cherish that memory and has carried the song with her throughout her life and career across the country.

“It’s kind of like a full circle moment, just moving back to Amory and living here.”

Parton's impact on the community stemmed from her genuine warmth and generosity. Holladay noted that Parton was much more than a celebrity—she left a meaningful mark everywhere she went. “She was absolutely iconic and everyone knew Dolly, but you also knew that she cared for her community,” said Holladay.

Sarah Crump, director of the Amory Regional Museum, said the museum features an exhibit honoring the historic event. Crump invited anyone with additional photos or video footage to contact the museum to contribute to the collection. She added that Parton represented the South in a way that showcased its warmth to the rest of the nation. “One thing that I was very proud of about her was particularly her love for helping the underserved portion of the U.S.,” said Crump.

Meeting Parton was not Holladay's only connection to the country star; she was also a recipient of books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“She had a passion for literacy and her Imagination Library. That's something that is going to go on for years to come,” said Holladay.

Imagination Library 

Parton founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995 in honor of her father, who could not read or write. Drawing from her upbringing in a working-class family, she created the program to provide children with free books monthly from birth to age 5. 

Holladay said she still owns the books she received through the program and praised its importance for families who cannot afford books. Sponsors such as the United Way of South Mississippi have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact the initiative has had on local youth.

Kathy Springer, CEO of United Way of South Mississippi, said learning to read inspires children to dream big. “What a beautiful legacy, what a great gift. When the light bulb goes on and a child starts reading, that is so powerful.”

Springer noted that Parton’s vision has helped shape millions of young lives and equipped families with essential tools for success, adding that early literacy lays the foundation for improved educational outcomes and economic mobility.

“This library, this program puts dreams and fosters imagination and takes our kids to places through these stories that they would never go or they perhaps can't imagine,” said Springer. “A book opens the world up to a child.”

United Way of South Mississippi currently distributes books to 2,200 children across Stone, Hancock, Harrison, and Pearl River counties, with 17 additional chapters participating statewide.

Worldwide, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted hundreds of millions of books to children since its inception. 

“When you read a book and it takes you somewhere or it opens your world up to career possibilities or things that our children may have never dreamed they could do,” said Springer.

Parton’s Impact

Tributes have flooded social media following Parton's passing, with fans and friends sharing personal memories of her kindness and lasting influence.

“My mother used to teach me that a blessing is not a blessing unless you share it,” Haskell said. “And Dolly had the same kind of feelings. So we supported each other in our different philanthropic efforts.”

Parton’s family announced on her website that a private service will be held for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Imagination Library.