Dolly Parton’s charity The Dollywood Foundation has announced the launch of an annual day of fundraising in tribute to the late star.

The Give Like Dolly Day of activity will take place on 25 September every year to raise money for her Imagination Library book gifting initiative.

Activity will take place in the UK, as well as in the U.S, Canada, Australia and the Republic of Ireland, where the charity operates through its local partners.

In the UK this includes an event at the British Library and at Hobbycraft stores in the run up to the fundraising day.

On Give Like Dolly Day people will be encouraged to give to their local Imagination Library partner to help children receive books and share Parton’s philanthropic messages by using
#GiveLikeDolly on social media.

“Give Like Dolly Day will be celebrated annually on September 25—a new tradition honouring the way she lived her life: inspiring children to dream more, learn more, care more and be more,” said the charity.

Its president Jeff Conyers added: “For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart.

“She believed deeply in helping people, especially children, and she always felt if you are in a position to help, you should help.

“Give Like Dolly Day is an opportunity for people everywhere to not only support their local Imagination Library Partners but also other local non-profits helping children.”

Her Imagination Library was launched in honour of her father who could not read or write. It was launched in her home county in East Tennessee and is now the largest early childhood book gifting programme in the world.

The singer and actor died at the age of 80 last month after being diagnosed with cancer.

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