‘She had a big heart for animals’: Dolly Parton remembered for lifelong kindness

Country music legend Dolly Parton is being remembered for her compassion towards animals and her efforts to improve the lives of lonely, neglected and displaced dogs.

Dolly Parton - credit Peta

The singer, actress and philanthropist died aged 80 on Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer, prompting tributes from around the world.

While Parton’s extraordinary musical legacy includes timeless hits such as Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, animal welfare campaigners have also celebrated the kindness she showed to animals throughout her life.

In a tribute, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said: “PETA will always love Dolly Parton, and not just for her hit music.

“Dolly was known for her big heart, her charitable efforts and her fondness for dogs, and she used her angelic voice to remind people that dogs need love and companionship.”

Parton lent her bluegrass song Will He Be Waiting for Me? to the organisation for its heart-warming Dogs Need Company campaign.

The television advertisement starred actress Kathy Najimy as a woman rushing home to her dog and reminded viewers that dogs are social animals who can become deeply unhappy when routinely left alone for long periods.

Parton’s willingness to help animals was also demonstrated after her celebrated performance at Glastonbury Festival in 2014.

A white lurcher was discovered abandoned in a tent after the event and was nicknamed Dolly by staff at the Happy Landings animal shelter in Somerset.

The singer shared the dog’s story with her millions of followers and offered to give her a loving home in the United States if her family could not be found.

The publicity helped reunite the dog with her owners, with Parton saying at the time: “My heart went out to this particular dog. I just thought it was meant to be somehow.

“I’m very happy she’s back where she’ll be comfortable and safe.”

The country icon later combined her trademark sense of fun with her affection for animals by launching Doggy Parton, a range of dog clothing, accessories and toys.

A portion of the proceeds supported Willa B. Farms Animal Rescue in Tennessee, which provides care and sanctuary to animals in need.

Announcing the collection in 2022, Parton said her love of animals had remained with her throughout her life.

She said: “Puppy Love was my very first record and six decades later, my love for pets is stronger than ever.

“This inspired me to start my own line of Doggy Parton apparel, accessories, toys and more with a little ‘Dolly’ flair.

“Part of the proceeds will support Willa B. Farms, a rescue where animals in need find never-ending love. Don’t we all need that?”

Parton also appeared virtually at PETA’s 40th anniversary gala in 2020 to present a Humanitarian Award to her friend and 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin.

She told guests: “I’m joining you all to celebrate the anniversary of two cultural game changers that debuted 40 years ago.

“In December of 1980, 9 to 5 premiered and became one of the most successful comedy films of all time.

“Now that same year, PETA was founded and went on to become the most successful animal rights organisation in the world. And one of PETA’s biggest supporters over the years has been none other than my wonderful 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin.”

Parton’s wider charitable legacy included the Imagination Library, which has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children, as well as support for medical research, hospitals and communities affected by natural disasters.

But for animal lovers, she will also be remembered as a star who understood that dogs need more than food and shelter: they need affection, companionship and a safe place to call home.

PETA added: “Like Lily, Dolly played an important role in PETA’s work to help animals, and we will always be grateful.”