“On behalf of Newcastle Labour, I want to express our deepest condolences to Dolly Parton’s family, friends and the millions of people around the world who loved her.
“Dolly will rightly be remembered as one of the great figures in music, but her legacy reaches far beyond the songs she wrote and performed. She used her success to make a genuine difference to the lives of others, and nowhere is that clearer than through her Imagination Library.
“That legacy has a special connection to Newcastle. Through the Imagination Library, thousands of children across our city are receiving a free book every month, helping families to read together and giving children the best possible start in life. Earlier this year, the scheme was expanded in Newcastle under the previous Labour administration, after more than 1,900 babies signed up and over 6,000 books were distributed during its first year.
“For years to come, children in Newcastle will grow up with books in their homes because of an idea Dolly Parton had and her determination to make it happen. That is an extraordinary legacy and one our city can be proud to be part of.
“Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Dolly at this incredibly sad time. Her music will live on, but so too will the opportunities she created for millions of children around the world.”
Cllr Ged Bell
Leader of Newcastle Labour