“Dolly Parton gave the world more than unforgettable music. She showed us the power of generosity, literacy, joy, authenticity, and making room for people to be fully themselves,” Allendale UMC in St. Petersburg wrote in a social media post. “Today, we remember a life that made the world brighter, kinder, and a whole lot more fabulous. Rest in power, Dolly.”
In a social media post, Equality Florida thanked Parton for her support of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Thank you, Dolly, for a lifetime of love, music, and unwavering support,” the organization wrote. “For decades, Dolly used her platform not just to entertain, but to uplift and be a true ally. Here’s to Dolly: an unapologetic friend to our community, an icon for the ages, and a reminder that kindness and glitter can absolutely coexist.”
Influenced by her own upbringing and growing up poor, Parton was dedicated to giving free books to children through her education nonprofit the Imagination Library.
The musician’s family is asking her fans to make donations to the organization in lieu of flowers following her death.