A special tribute has been arranged by The Niagara Falls Illumination Board that’s set to take place between 10:15pm and 10:30pm EST as an honor to the late Dolly Parton. The iconic singer and actress passed away earlier this week at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
What Is The Tribute?
For 15 minutes tonight, Niagara Falls is going to be illuminated in pink in memory of Dolly, as well as in commemoration of her extraordinary contributions to music, entertainment, and philanthropy.
She’s the force behind so many hit records from “Jolene” and “9 to 5” to “I Will Always Love You” which Whitney Houston went on to release her own rendition of. But she also captured the heart of millions with her quick wit, bubbly personality, and endless capacity to be kind.
In 1995 Dolly founded her “Imagination Library” initiative, which is completely free for parents to sign up to. Those who sign up will receive books for their children from birth up until the age of 5 to encourage them to read. A new book is posted to families who have signed up every month, which is made possible through The Dollywood Foundation, sponsors, local charities and the government.
Dolly visited Niagara Falls herself, having visited the destination when she performed three sold-out shows at the Avalon Theatre at Fallsview Casino Resort in 2007.
Dolly’s Family Share She Has Passed Away
Dolly Parton’s family posted a video message to her social media profiles today announcing that she had passed away. Bryan Seaver read out the tragic news, speaking to a camera. He shared: “Hey everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean.
“Sister, sis, aunt, granny to one generation, and Gigi to the next. This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now. It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, but not with Dolly.
“Dolly has lived in the light […] met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens. […] Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life , and across every continent. By her example, we believed that anything was possible.
“She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history. My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and your phone playlist becoming an extended part of your family.”
Rest in peace to Dolly Parton and best wishes to her loved ones.
