Dolly Parton’s final video message has emerged as a touching tribute to the singer’s philanthropic spirit, following a generous donation from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The couple contributed $2 million to Parton’s Imagination Library initiative just days before their wedding on July 3. This sizeable gift aims to further the programme’s mission to deliver books to underprivileged children.
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Parton, who passed away at the age of 80 on August 25, recorded the heartfelt video in which she expressed her gratitude towards the famous duo. The clip features Parton dressed elegantly in white, her trademark eye-catching makeup framing a warm smile as she shared the news. “Taylor and Travis, it’s Dolly, and I was just told that you two were making a donation of $2 million to my Imagination Library,” she said, with evident delight in her voice.
In her typically light-hearted style, Parton joked about the couple’s future family. “Now, it’s evident that you have made giving back a key part of your lives, so hey, when you have your firstborn, can I have it? Because that is gonna be one special baby!”
The singer continued, highlighting the significance of the donation: “Your contribution will help my organisation continue its mission even in bigger ways now with your money.” She concluded the message with a heartfelt nod to her iconic song “I Will Always Love You,” blowing a kiss to the camera as she expressed her enduring affection for them.
Parton later shared the video on Instagram, expressing her heartfelt thanks directly to the couple. “Thank you @taylorswift and @killatrav for the generous gift to @imaginationlibrary! ❤️ I wish you both the best, and know that I will always love you,” she captioned the post.
The connection between Parton and Swift has long been recognised. Their friendship blossomed over the years, with Parton providing guidance and support to Swift as her career began to ascend in the early 2000s. Notably, Swift’s song “Crazier” was penned for Miley Cyrus’ film, *Hannah Montana: The Movie*, for which Parton is the godmother.
The Imagination Library has had an extraordinary impact since its establishment in 1995, delivering over 200 million books to children around the globe. Initially focusing on her home community of Sevierville, Tennessee, Parton’s initiative has grown significantly, aiming to instill a love of reading in youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In a statement made earlier this year, Parton reflected on the importance of dreams and education, saying, “I know there are children in communities around the world with big dreams, and the seeds of these dreams are often found in books.” She expressed that her dedication to this project has been one of her greatest joys.
The announcement of Parton’s passing was made public by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, via an emotional Instagram video. This followed the recent cancellation of her 2025 residency in Las Vegas, attributed to health issues.
In a candid interview earlier in 2025, Parton shared her thoughts on approaching her 80th birthday. She described a desire to continue contributing positively to society: “I’m at that point in my life where I just want to be able to do good things that can be carried on. I’m proud of my legacy so far, and I hope to just continue to do things that might be of use to other people.”
Parton’s commitment to philanthropy, especially through her literacy initiatives, cemented her status not only as a beloved music icon but also as a champion for children’s education. Her legacy will surely endure through the countless lives she has impacted, championing the power of books and fostering a love for reading amongst future generations.
As fans and beneficiaries of her projects mourn her loss, many also celebrate her unwavering spirit and the charitable contributions that defined her life. In her final messages, Parton emphasised love, gratitude, and the power of giving, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.