Two Years Ago Today; Dolly Parton’s Special Kentucky Connection

One of the highest honors bestowed in the Bluegrass state is the distinction of being a Kentucky Colonel. To receive the title, a person must be nominated via an application that lists accomplishments, including community involvement and service.

The Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels is a non-profit organization that provides support to other non-profits across the state. Local organizations like help offices, The Western KY Botanical Garden, Wendell Foster, Opportunity Center, and more receive funds from them to continue their good works.

On this exact day two years ago, August 26th, 2024, Dolly came to Kentucky to celebrate her Imagination Library program finally being available in all 120 counties. She and her huge team of volunteers make sure that all kids signed up for the library are surprised with one free book a month from birth to Kindergarten.

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Well, Andy had a very special surprise for her too! He presented her with the top honor and made her an official Kentucky Colonel. Her contributions not just to Kentucky, but all over the world definitely made her more than qualified to hold the title.

Dolly was so gracious, of course, and hilarious! She joked that the only Colonel she knew was Colonel Sanders, and if she was gonna have to serve in the military, it would be like Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin! She was just the sweetest little thing.

Governor Beshear also announced that month as Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Kentucky month. Honestly though, if you are one of those families that receives books, every month is Imagination Library month! If you aren't and want to sign your kiddo up, just click here. It's just one of the many ways her legacy will live on.

If you want to watch the whole event, here you go!

After all, she did once say that she'd rather be known for books than her looks. She'll be remembered for it all and then some. There will never be another like her. She's been honored in every Hall of Fame and won almost every award there is to win, and one of those accolades connects her to Kentucky in a very special way.