GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Dolly Parton died Tuesday at the age of 80 following a brief stint with cancer.
She wrote hundreds of songs, including classics like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” that totaled more than 100 million worldwide sales and more than 1 billion online streams. Parton wrote more than 3,000 songs, winning 11 Grammys and earning her place in both the Country and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.
Events are now being planned across South Mississippi to celebrate her life and collect children’s book in her honor.
Friday, August 28
- A book drive, celebrating Dolly, will be held at Eat, Drink, Love & 701 Craft in Ocean Springs (701 Bienville Blvd.). You can drop off books on Friday or Saturday. They will be donated to the Duchess Club of Ocean Springs.
Saturday, August 29
- Neighbors Tap & Table in Gulfport (1307 25th Ave.) will host an event called “Dolly Day” on Saturday. The event will include a sing-along, and Parton’s music will be played at the restaurant. A drag show is also planned, and people are encouraged to bring out their wigs and dress like Parton. You can also bring a children’s book to help fill the shelves in honor of her Imaginary Library. These books will be donated to the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence.
- A book drive, celebrating Dolly, will be held at Eat, Drink, Love and 701 Craft in Ocean Springs. You can drop off books on Friday or Saturday. They will be donated to the Duchess Club of Ocean Springs.
Sunday, August 30
- “A Scoop of Love for Dolly” at The Scoop in Biloxi (829 Howard Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bring any new or gently used children’s book in good condition and receive one free topping on your ice cream. The books will be given to children in the Biloxi community.
- Dolly Tribute Trivia at Tony’s Pizzeria in Gulfport (2417 14th Street). Grab your besties, wear pink, and see how well you know the Queen of Country! Reservations are highly recommended. Call 228-206-3582 to reserve your table.
For years, South Mississippi has been home to events celebrating Parton. The Mockingbird Cafe in Bay St. Louis has held the “Dolly Should!” event for nine years. It includes a Dolly Look-Alike Contest, a 9 to 5K, and a children’s book drive.
“Dolly has held a very special place in the heart of Mockingbird Cafe. Each year, we gather for our annual Dolly Should festival to celebrate her birthday, her music, her kindness, and the incredible example she set of using your gifts to make the world a little brighter,” the Mockingbird Cafe said in a social media post. “Together, through Dolly Should, our Mockingbird community has raised thousands of dollars for local charities and donated thousands of books to children in Dolly’s name.”
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The Mockingbird Cafe is located at 110 S 2nd Street.
In April, the Duchess Club of Ocean Springs also hosted its first Dolly’s Rhinestone Roundup. The event featured Dolly-themed deals, activities, and specials at downtown businesses.
President Donald Trump also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for the next week in honor of Parton’s life.
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