OriginalnDolly Partonn(1974)

Dolly Parton used approximately $10 million in songwriting royalties from Whitney Houston’s legendary 1992 cover of "I Will Always Love You" to invest in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1997, she purchased an office complex and strip mall in the area—now known as the 12South district—to support local Black families and businesses. Out of deep respect for Houston's impact, Parton affectionately called the property “the house that Whitney built.” Beyond this specific investment, Dolly Parton established a massive philanthropic legacy through her Dollywood Foundation: The Imagination Library: Her signature program has gifted over 200 million free books to children worldwide to promote early literacy. Disaster Relief: She provided direct financial aid to Tennessee families who lost homes during the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires and the 2021 flooding. Medical Contributions: Parton donated $1 million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which directly helped fund the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Community Aid: She quietly funded matching bands, paid her furloughed employees during crises, and provided scholarships to Appalachian youth. #DollyParton #WhitneyHouston #Dollywood #IWillAlwaysLoveYou