Dolly Parton is turning 70 years young, and the Knox County Public Library will be throwing a birthday party in her honor on January 19 at 7:00 p.m.
The public is invited to celebrate East Tennessee’s favorite daughter with a Tribute Show on the U.S. Cellular Stage at the Bijou Theatre, where she got her start more than 50 years ago.
Tickets are $25 and are on sale now at knoxbijou.com, the Tennessee Theatre Box Office or by calling 865-684-1200.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County.
The evening features Mark Lamb with his award-winning story, A Boy and His Dolly, and Knoxville musicians led by Nancy Brennan Strange playing Dolly’s most popular songs. Joining Strange on stage are Robin Ella Bailey, Nathan Barrett, Angel Collins, Michael Crawley, Mischa Goldman, Christina Horn, Kelle Jolly, Laith Keilany, Ben Maney, Jodie Manross, Sean McCollough and Sarah Pirkle.
Additionally the event includes film clips and home movies from Dolly’s early years in Knoxville presented by the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound at the Knox County Public Library.
To cap off this grand celebration, birthday cake will be served compliments of Magpies Bakery.
"I am so honored to pay tribute to the living legend Dolly Parton on her 70th birthday at the Bijou Theatre. My story is not only a personal take on her positive influence on my life, but has a universal message told through Dolly's lyrics about love, kindness, and acceptance," said Mark Lamb.
About Dolly Parton and Imagination Library:
Born on January 19, 1946 in Sevierville, TN, Dolly Rebecca Parton was one of 12 children of Robert Lee Parton, a tobacco farmer, and Avie Lee Parton. In 1996, she created the Imagination Library through the Dollywood Foundation which sends a free, high quality, age appropriate book through the mail every month to children under five. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County boasts the highest per calipta registration rate of any urban community in the United States, sending free books to more than 19,000 children each month.