Everyone Knew Dolly Loved Dogs, But No One Expected Her to Build This Sanctuary of Hope. ML

Country music legend Dolly Parton is extending her trademark compassion beyond the stage once again, pledging $1 million to create a new animal sanctuary that will serve as both a rescue and rehabilitation center for dogs and cats across Tennessee.

Parton, 78, announced the initiative this week, describing it as “a dream from the heart” and “a promise to every animal that deserves love and safety.”

“This isn’t just about rescue,” she said in a statement. “It’s about giving animals a place to heal, to feel at home, and to be treated with the same care and respect we give each other.”

A Vision for Safe and Loving Care

The planned sanctuary will feature modern veterinary facilities, comfortable living spaces, and outdoor play areas. Programs will include adoption outreach, volunteer opportunities, and educational efforts designed to promote responsible pet ownership.

Organizers say the project will be one of the most advanced of its kind in the region, blending Parton’s philanthropic approach with professional animal care.

“Dolly’s influence will make this sanctuary more than a shelter — it will be a community,” said one project spokesperson.

Dolly’s Lifelong Devotion

Animal advocacy has long been a part of Parton’s story. From her childhood in rural Tennessee surrounded by farm animals to the many pets she’s loved throughout her life, her empathy for creatures great and small has remained constant.

Her famous wit often includes her dogs, and fans recall her playful line: “My little fur babies keep me grounded — and sometimes outnumber my audience.”

A Ripple of Kindness

The announcement sparked an outpouring of gratitude from fans, animal lovers, and celebrities alike. Social media users praised the singer’s “boundless heart” and her ability to “turn compassion into action.”

“Animals can’t speak for themselves,” Parton added. “That’s why it’s on us to be their voice — and their hope.”

Expected to open in late 2026, the facility will serve as a living legacy of Parton’s humanitarian work — one that celebrates the same warmth and generosity that have defined her six-decade career.

“If this sanctuary can make one life better,” she said, “then that’s a song worth singing.”