The moving truth behind Dolly Parton’s ‘Dollywood’ — and how singer became one of country’s most philanthropic stars

Source: New York Post

Beloved country-music icon Dolly Parton devoted decades of her life to philanthropy and other charity work — part of a touching nod to her roots growing up in poverty in Appalachia. Parton, who died at age 80 on Tuesday, opened her Dollywood theme park in Tennessee in 1986 as both a show of pride in her background and a desire to give back to the community. The theme park is the largest employer in Sevier County, creating more than 23,000 jobs there and generating around $1.