In the misty valleys of the Smoky Mountains, a different kind of spotlight shines on Dolly Parton. Known worldwide for glittering performances and larger-than-life charisma, she made headlines in 2022 not for a song, but for reshaping what opportunity could look like for thousands of workers. With one announcement, she removed a major barrier to higher education, declaring that the price of a future shouldn’t weigh down the people who help build hers.
A New Path Through GROW U
Her initiative — called GROW U — goes beyond a typical employee benefit. Instead of reimbursement systems that require workers to pay upfront, the program covers tuition, fees, and books from day one of employment. Whether someone is welcoming guests, maintaining rides, or coordinating operations at Dollywood, the financial responsibility for their education is handled.
The result is straightforward but powerful: thousands of employees can pursue degrees or certifications without taking on student debt. There are no complicated conditions — just access, encouragement, and the belief that education should be within reach.
A Legacy Rooted in Literacy
This commitment to learning is deeply personal. Parton has often spoken about how her father’s inability to read shaped her view of education. That early experience fueled a lifelong mission to expand access to knowledge.
Her efforts stretch back decades:
-
The Buddy Program: An early initiative that helped dramatically reduce school dropout rates in her home community.
-
The Imagination Library: Through the Dollywood Foundation, she has helped distribute hundreds of millions of books to children worldwide.
-
Pandemic Support: A major donation contributed to vaccine research during a critical global moment.
Each effort reflects the same guiding principle: education changes lives.
From Song to Social Impact
Parton famously captured workplace struggles in her hit 9 to 5. Decades later, her actions echo that message in a tangible way. By investing in employee education, she turns a job into a gateway for advancement — whether someone dreams of healthcare, technology, hospitality leadership, or another field entirely.
Kindness as a Business Philosophy
In an industry often defined by turnover and tight margins, Dollywood has built a reputation for investing in people. The education program demonstrates that generosity and smart business aren’t opposites — they can reinforce each other. Employees gain skills and confidence; the organization gains a stronger, more committed workforce.
Parton’s legacy isn’t measured only in chart-topping songs or theme park crowds. It lives in the opportunities she helps create — in the graduate who once thought college was out of reach, and in the idea that success means lifting others as you rise.