Following the death of legendary singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist Dolly Parton at age 80, Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings issued the following statement:
“Today we lost an icon, both in entertainment and for the bold, consistent support she showed the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV. Long before it was easy or popular, Dolly Parton told our community that we belonged, and she meant it. She championed children’s literacy through her Imagination Library, lent her voice and resources to the fight against HIV and AIDS, and stood up, time and again, for the community she embraced as her own, all with the humor, warmth, and grace that made the whole world fall for her.
“As a son of Appalachia myself, I personally connected deeply to Dolly’s life story and her music — I even used her original version of “I Will Always Love You” as the song to which I danced with my godmother at my wedding last year. Dolly was one of a kind, and I am deeply saddened by her passing. We extend our deepest condolences to Dolly’s family, her friends, and the countless fans whose lives she touched. We will always love her.”