Tennessee Lawmaker Wants Dolly Parton Statue Placed At State’s Capitol

Democratic Representative John Mark Windle wants a Dolly Parton statue placed on the Capitol grounds in Nashville, Tennessee.

According to ABC News, Windle introduced a bill on Tuesday that aims to honor the country music icon “for all that she has contributed to this state.”

Parton is also known for her philanthropy and founded the Imagination Library, which mails books to kids five and under worldwide to improve child literacy. She also gave a million-dollar donation to Vanderbilt University to help create the Moderna coronavirus vaccine.

She was also recently celebrated for her advocacy for racial justice via a mural in Nashville.

Windle also said the state capitol commission would solicit input to develop a plan for Parton’s statue, including its design. He also requests that it face the Ryman Auditorium, a venue she performs from time to time.

The proposal says no taxpayer dollars would be spent to fund the statue. Instead, the bill will create a fund for private gifts, grants, and donations from those that want to help pay for it.

“At this point in history, is there a better example, not just in America but in the world, of a leader that is (a) kind, decent, passionate human being?” Windle said Wednesday. ”(She’s) a passionate person who loves everyone, and everyone loves her.”