Dolly Parton Praises Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce After $2 Million Imagination Library Donation

Dolly Parton is sharing a heartfelt message of appreciation for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The country music legend posted a video on Instagram on Friday, July 3, thanking the global pop star and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end for their generous $2 million gift to her Imagination Library, the literacy initiative that sends free books to children. Earlier this week, ahead of their Fourth of July wedding celebrations, Swift and Kelce announced $26 million in charitable donations benefiting organizations throughout the United States. Among the recipients were the Grammy Museum Foundation, New York Cares, Harvesters in Kansas City, and Parton's Imagination Library. “Taylor and Travis, it’s Dolly,” Parton said in the video. “I just found out that the two of you are donating $2 million to my Imagination Library. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am absolutely overwhelmed and so grateful.”   She continued, “It is so clear that giving back is something that truly matters to both of you. So, when you have your first born, can I have it? Because that is going to be one very special baby!” Parton also spoke about the purpose behind her Dollywood Foundation, explaining that its mission is to “dream more, care more, learn more, and be more.” She added that Swift and Kelce’s donation will help expand that mission and allow it to reach even more people. To wrap up her message, Parton treated the couple to a short performance of her beloved 1974 hit, “I Will Always Love You.” News of Swift and Kelce’s combined $26 million in charitable giving first emerged earlier this week. On Thursday, July 2, the 14 time Grammy Award winner’s spokesperson released a list of the organizations selected to receive donations from the engaged couple. Several of the charities are based in communities that have played important roles in Swift and Kelce’s lives, including Reading, Pennsylvania, and Cleveland, their hometowns, along with Nashville and Kansas City, where each built their career. They also contributed to a number of organizations in New York City ahead of their wedding celebration, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 3, at Madison Square Garden.