Dolly Parton was no stranger to SW Virginia

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Dolly Parton was no stranger to Southwest Virginia. Having grown up just across the Tennessee border, Dolly made her way to our hometowns.

Parton has legions of fans here in our hometowns.

April 15, 1990, music fans in the Star City got to witness the musical magic of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers at what was then the Roanoke Civic Center.

The legendary country music duo performed live for several thousand local fans, after teaming up for their massive hit, “Islands in the Stream.”

A further look back into the WDBJ7 archives reveals a gem about a dozen Dolly Parton lookalikes who showed up at Roanoke’s Tanglewood Mall for a contest, imitating the country star known for her blonde wigs, flashy clothes and bigger-than-life personality.

But it’s her generosity and love of children that bring us to the true heart of Dolly.

Through her Imagination Library Initiative, a thousand children in the Roanoke area will soon receive free books every month.

The program provides every registered child from birth to age five with a new book each month - delivered to their homes for free.

The Junior League of the Roanoke Valley and Roanoke City Public Schools are launching the campaign: One Thousand Bright Futures.