Country music icon Dolly Parton, whose first children’s album I Believe In You was released on October 13th, visited kids and their families at Monroe Carell Jr. Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital to celebrate the album’s public debut.
Parton’s niece Hannah Dennison, daughter of her sister Rachel and longtime band member Richard Dennison, spent years battling leukemia at Vanderbilt. Now she is a healthy young woman, and Dolly and family are bringing that story of hope to those children currently in the hospital.
Two of the songs on I Believe In You, “Chemo Hero” and “Brave Little Soldier,” were specifically written for Hannah to help her through her health struggles.
Listen to “Brave Little Soldier” below!
During her special visit, Dolly surprised the doctors and children by announcing she will make a $1 million donation to Monroe Carell Jr. Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
How amazing is that?!
I Believe In You features 14 songs written and performed by Dolly herself with the spirit and heart of children in mind. Proceeds from this release will benefit the Imagination Library, which was established in 1995 to honor Parton’s father, who never had the chance to learn to read or write. Since its start, the organization has expanded into four countries serving more than one-million children by providing a brand new, age-appropriate book each month. In North America, every child’s first book is the classic ‘Little Engine that Could.’
I Believe In You Track Listing
I Believe in You
Coat of Many Colors (new recording)
Together Forever
I Am a Rainbow
I’m Here
A Friend Like You
Imagination
You Can Do It
Responsibility
You Gotta Be
Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny
Chemo Hero
Brave Little Soldier
Bonus track spoken audio: Coat of Many Colors (book read by Dolly Parton)
“These kids, I hope they’ll be fans, because a lot of them, their parents liked me, and they became their grandparents and introduced me to them,” Parton shared about singing for a new generation during a press event announcing the project. “I think kids can kind of relate to me, like a Mother Goose character.”
It’s hard to believe that this is Parton’s first record geared towards youngsters, get your copy here. Share this news of Dolly’s generosity with other fans of the Tennessee native!
