Even after her passing, country music icon Dolly Parton is still finding ways to inspire people from beyond the grave. The Jolene creator had a special message for teachers. In a video that aired at the Country Music Awards (CMA) Foundation event on Wednesday (October 7).
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Country music star Zac Brown did the lead-in for Dolly's pre-recorded tribute to educators. That was taped in the weeks leading up to her passing. When introducing the video, Brown said that the tribute is just further evidence that Parton's legacy will live forever.
"When I think about legacy, I think about what we create, but even more than that, I think about what we give away. This is how our life continues to reach people long after a moment has passed. A few people understand that better than Dolly Parton," Bryan said in a transcript obtained by PEOPLE.
He also added: "Dolly gave the world. Extraordinary songs. But her legacy reaches far beyond music. She gave people hope. She believed in children, and she used everything she built to create opportunities for others."
Dolly Parton Thanks Educators in Posthumous Message
Shortly after Bryan introduced the video, Parton appeared on-screen. In her posthumous tribute, she thanked educators for the role that they play in shaping young people's lives.
I've always believed that music brings people together. But none of that happens without dedicated teachers who encourage, inspire, and believe in the next generation, and that's why we're celebrating tonight," she said. "To every music teacher of excellence, I want to thank you for your passion, patience, and care that you give your students each day."
Parton is best known for her music. But her legacy extends far beyond the hit records that she created.
Parton dedicated much of her life to global philanthropy and humanitarian work. In 2020, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. This donation helped fund the early scientific research that led to the development of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.
She also founded the Imagination Library in 1995. A flagship program that mails free books to children every month from birth to age five. The program has gifted over 300 million books worldwide.
