[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 55 (Tuesday, May 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E756-E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DOLLY PARTON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2006

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, Dolly Parton is living proof that the 
American Dream is alive and kicking. She worked hard, harnessed her God 
given talent, and touched the lives of countless millions.
  Not only is Dolly a great entertainer, she's a proven businesswoman 
and a philanthropist. She is the embodiment of a value my mama taught 
me--that you always work to give back more to your community than you 
take. And Dolly has given back so much.
  Tennessee is proud of this Smoky Mountain daughter, and that's why we 
join the 2006 Southern Women in Public Service Conference to honor her 
with the Lindy Boggs Award. As the U.S. Representative who has the 
lucky fortune to represent Dolly in Congress, I want to take a moment 
to be certain my colleagues here in the House of Representatives know 
just how much she has given back to all of us.
  Dolly has put the same passion and leadership she used to make it to 
the top in business into improving child literacy. In 1996, Dolly's 
vision led to the creation of the Imagination Library--a program that 
sends children books each month to help them improve their reading 
skills. What began in East Tennessee now includes over 600 communities 
and spans 41 states. There are hundreds of thousands of children across 
this country whose futures have been changed for the better because of 
her work.
  We simply cannot put a value on the positive effect Dolly has had on 
these kids, their communities, and this country.
  The Imagination Library is just one example of Dolly's work to help 
raise up others. Today we honor Dolly for her passion and her 
determination.

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