Released by Dollywood and Abramorama in association with The Dollywood Foundation, "The Library That Dolly Built" is a behind-the-scenes look at Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The one-night event will integrate with Imagination Library affiliate partners in multiple communities around the country and is set for screenings in over 300 locations on Thursday, April 2, 2020. In New York City, the film will premiere at the Sillas SVA Theater, hosted by United Way of New York City and featuring an appearance by Dolly Parton.
Dolly created her Imagination Library to inspire a love for books and reading amongst the nation’s preschool children. Since inception in 1995, the Imagination Library has gifted more than 135 million books to children and is currently gifting books to 1.45 million children around the world each month.
Dolly Parton said, “I always felt we owed the world a better and deeper understanding of the Imagination Library but the stars never quite aligned. When Nick Geidner came to us with his unique vision and talent, I knew the time had come to make this film. I am a charter member of the Dream More Club so with the help of Abramorama, Dollywood and all of our community partners, we hope to make a big splash in theaters all across the country on April 2. We have come a long way but there is so much left to do!”
The Imagination Library affiliates screening the film on April 2, 2020, will receive 50% of box office proceeds to further their year-round efforts. Timed to the nationwide screening event of "The Library That Dolly Built" and the NYC premiere screening, Sheena Wright, President & CEO United Way of New York City, will be announcing a significant expansion of UWNYC’s ReadNYC: Books from Birth initiative, the affiliate initiative for Imagination Library efforts in New York City.
"The Library That Dolly Built," directed and produced by journalism professor and director of Land Grant Films Nick Geidner, and narrated by Danica McKellar, goes behind the scenes of Dolly Parton’s literacy-focused non-profit, Imagination Library, to show how one of the most famous and beloved performers in the world has developed an efficient and effective program for spreading the love of reading. Imagination Library started as a gift for the children in Dolly’s hometown, Sevierville, Tennessee, and is now active in all 50 states, and 5 countries, gifting 1.45 million free, age-appropriate books to children every month. The film also provides a glimpse of the profound impact the Imagination Library has on the people through original interviews with authors, policymakers, Imagination Library staff, recipients, and the legend herself, Dolly Parton. Woven throughout the film is a biographical sketch of Dolly Parton, featuring rare photos and films from her childhood. Unlike most biographies of Dolly, it doesn’t focus on her music. Instead, it demonstrates that at every point in her career, any time she has had success, Dolly Parton has come back to Sevierville to give back to her people.
Abramorama commented, “Dolly Parton is an American icon well beyond her musical and acting talents. Her vision to tackle illiteracy with her foundation has improved the lives of millions of children and will continue to do so for years to come. All of us at Abramorama are honored to collaborate with Dollywood, The Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library to help get the story of Dolly’s literacy program to fans around the world. Amazing as her foundation is, only one person on this planet can say she’s gifted over one-hundred-million books to children…Dolly Parton!"
March is National Reading Month and the Imagination Library will screen an exclusive clip from "The Library That Dolly Built" at the Fourteenth Annual The Power of Women Making a Difference awards luncheon at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on March 4th to further promote the message that reading to children is one of the most important steps to better prepare children for a lifetime of learning.
London’s West End smash-hit "9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL" will premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre next month on April 19, 2020, followed by a season at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne starting July 25, 2020. Eddie Perfect, one of Australia’s leading television and musical theatre stars, will play the egotistical boss Franklin Hart Jnr. Producers John Frost, Suzanne Jones and Ambassador Theatre Group Productions announced the addition of Eddie Perfect on Feb. 29, 2020.
“We’re thrilled that Eddie has accepted our challenge to return to Australia to play this wonderfully self-centred, chauvinist character after living in New York for a few years,” said the producers. “As well as being a fantastic comic and composer, Eddie is a much-loved musical theatre performer, and will be fantastic in 9 TO 5 alongside Caroline, Marina, Samantha, Erin and the wonderful ensemble.”
"9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL" in Australia also stars Caroline O’Connor, Marina Prior, Samantha Dodemaide and Erin Clare. This run-away success on the West End features a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick and an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, including her much-loved hit song, "9 to 5!"
Also in the cast are Ana Maria Belo, Amy Berrisford, Zoe Coppinger, Mia Dabkowski-Chandler, Josh Gates, Ben Gillespie, Emma Hawthorne, Matthew Jenson, Jay Johns, Ethan Jones, Ariana Mazzeo, Joe Meldrum, Jordanna Morandin, Josh Mulheran, Tom New, Matthew Prime, Melissa Russo and Glaston Toft.
"9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL" opened at London’s Savoy Theatre in January last year, initially for a 16 week season and surpassed all audience expectations. It has been extended multiple times and is now selling until April. Perhaps a whole new generation of Dolly fans are treating themselves to a fun night out on the West End!
Get "9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL" Tickets
For over 30 years, Dolly Parton’s Stampede has been an attraction that’s provided wonderful memories for all that have visited! Dolly and the amazing performers at the Stampede are getting excited about the 2020 season. From pre-show entertainment to breathtaking horse riding stunts while enjoying a savory feast, there is something for every member of your family!
Following an incredible Christmas season filled with holiday joy, fans are welcomed to celebrate the American Spirit at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Each year, families and visitors to Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO join the Stampede for an unforgettable ride. The Stampede is an amazing adventure full of friendly North and South competition and thrilling horse riding stunts. If that isn’t enough, visitors wow at the spectacular special effects and phenomenal musical productions. And don’t forget the mouth-watering four-course feast complete with a delicious dessert!
The Stampede’s 2020 show is sure to continue to amaze crowds of all ages while staying true to Dolly’s childhood dreams! You’re invited to enjoy the high-spirited award-winning adventure you will only find at Dolly Parton’s Stampede!
Celebrate a Family Tradition with inspiring, world class performances at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction in beautiful Branson, Missouri. Shows start on February 21, 2020.
Searching for family fun and adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains? Join Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN for a family feast and fantastic show, fun for all ages. Shows available now.
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will offer insight into country music’s latest chapter with the opening of its first exhibition of 2020, American Currents: State of the Music, on Friday, March 6, 2020. The exhibit runs through Feb. 7, 2021.
Now an annual offering, American Currents: State of the Music represents the ongoing research, analysis, vigorous debate, and yes, even argument, among curators and museum staff to determine the most important developments in country music over the previous year.
“Each year brings new components to the country music story, and 2019 was no different,” said Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Last year, we witnessed unprecedented collaborations, recording-breaking chart success and the continued evolution of the genre, reaching a broader audience. American Currents allows us to highlight these moments and share their significance in country music history.”
Those featured in American Currents: State of the Music are artists, musicians and songwriters who have shaped today’s country music story. Those included in this year’s exhibition are: Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Blanco Brown, Brandi Carlile, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dan + Shay, Jenee Fleenor, Florida Georgia Line, Country Music Hall of Fame member Tom T. Hall, The Highwomen, Lil Nas X, Hillary Lindsey, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, John Prine, Chris Stapleton, Tanya Tucker, Carrie Underwood and Morgan Wallen.
The exhibit also features the Unbroken Circle, which illustrates the connection between country music’s past, present and future by sharing the stories of today’s artists and those who have influenced them. Included in this part of the exhibit are Erin Enderlin and Country Music Hall of Fame member Reba McEntire; Cody Johnson and Chris LeDoux; Billy Strings and Jerry Douglas; Tenille Townes and Patty Griffin; and Yola and Country Music Hall of Fame member Dolly Parton.
Get more information about American Currents: State of the Music
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In 1999, The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted Dolly during the Country Music Association Awards ceremony on Sept. 22.
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Watch Dolly's performances from that day.
Their collaboration on "God Only Knows" earned Dolly Parton & for King & Country the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song on Sunday, January 26, 2020. This marks Dolly's 10th Grammy win including her Lifetime Achievement Award and MusiCares Person of the Year Award. This is the fourth Grammy win for the Australian duo comprised of Joel and Luke Smallbone. While not present at the awards, Dolly expressed her excitement and gratitude. She said,
"I am so excited that for King and Country and I won a Grammy for 'God Only Knows!' Thank God and thank all of you!"
Joel and Luke accepted the award during the Grammy's Premiere Ceremony. They later shared this message with their fans on social media.
"We’re floored.. and dedicate these to anyone needing a new beginning, a fresh start, and a new dawn. These awards for us represent redemption for our family. If you’re wondering if your story can be used for good, it can be.." -- for King & Country
In addition to the Grammy win, “God Only Knows” also won “Song of the Year” honors at the K-LOVE awards and received a Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year. See a full list of winners from the 62nd Grammy Awards highlights and more at Grammy.com.
This powerful music video for “God Only Knows” features Dolly as she and the Smallbone brothers struggle to find themselves before resigning to faith and belief. They shot the full-length video in Nashville, produced by Patrick Tohill and directed by Benjamin Smallbone.
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Photo Credit: Curtis Hilbun
