First Lady of Montana Reflects on Dolly Parton's Impact

Just a month ago, the world said goodbye to the country music legend, Dolly Parton.

Dolly's impact reached far and wide, with many being touched by her kindness right here in Montana.

The First Lady of Montana, Susan Gianforte, joined 560 KMON for a sit-down interview to reflect on Dolly's impact on the people of Montana and what she meant to women everywhere.

Interview with First Lady of Montana, Susan Gianforte

I'd like to extend special thanks to the First Lady of Montana for joining us on 560 KMON and taking the time to reflect on Dolly Parton's legacy and impact on Montana.

Chris: Good morning. We are 560 KMON, the voice of Montana. And you know, everyday Montanans today are clocking long hours, whether that's on a ranch, hospital, or behind a cash register.

And that's why today is "9 to 5" (9/25). Thanks to a proclamation made by the State of Montana for September 25th is Dolly Parton day. And I'm joined by very special guest here: First Lady, Susan Gianforte. Welcome, First Lady.

Susan Gianforte: Thanks Chris. Good to be here.

Chris: Thank you for being here. It means a lot to us. And I know a lot of folks were devastated when the news of Dolly's passing came to light. And so when you heard the news last month, what went through your mind and about the legacy that she left for women, artists and just Montanans in general?

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Susan Gianforte: Well, she was just so well loved by everybody. And so, so many people felt the loss, deeply. And my thought was just hoping that her legacy will continue and it will, especially with the Imagination Library book gifting program.

Chris: Absolutely. And what special memories or moments come to mind for you, First Lady, about Dolly that you'd like to share any comments about Montana specifically or moments?

Susan Gianforte: Well, I just think it's so amazing that she has the Dollywood Foundation mailing three and a half million books every month to five countries. So, it's just it's an honor for us to be a statewide partner with the organization and be able to offer a free book to every child by registering at MontanaImaginationLibrary.org for kids under five.

Chris: Absolutely. I wanted to let you know we did do that. So, we signed it up. Yep. We got both my littles in there. And I love the stickers that come on there with Dolly's name on it too. So, you know, there's just something about it, especially with everything that's come to light with the news and all the things that she has done that has been celebrated. And what do you expect or how do you hope families across Montana actually pause and celebrate Dolly's spirit today on the 25th?

Susan Gianforte: Oh, I think just by remembering one for her music, but also for the Dolly Imagination Library program, which I view as the crown jewel of her philanthropic efforts. It has just exploded. So, it's pretty incredible. And I think it's going to make a difference for kids being ready to learn and ready to learn to read when they get to kindergarten.

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Getting Parents Involved in Reading to Their Kids

Chris: That's so well said. And now we've talked a lot about the kiddos, but how do we get parents to lean back into the old school tradition of sitting down, you know, get in front of their kids, whether it's at bedtime or in the afternoon and just reading them a book, a paper book, not a tablet.

Susan Gianforte: Yeah. Well, if that book is arriving, if you register your child, every month, the child is so excited when their book with their name comes and it's an age appropriate, free, high-quality book, to the child and the family. And I think once the child is excited to have it read to them. So, then there's that bonding with their parent, caregiver, older sibling, reading to their younger. I get the most precious pictures of family members, especially siblings reading to their younger.

Chris: Oh, that pulls at my heartstrings. My daughter just celebrated her sixth birthday too. And you know, these books, I can't tell you enough how much they've done for us to bring us together too, because it is, it is true. There is a connection there. And so finally, my last question, First Lady is what is the best way that, Montanans can jump in and help and support it carrying on Dolly's legacy with the Imagination Library?

Susan Gianforte: Thank you. Well, if you have a child under five or know of a child under five, they can register at MontanaImaginationLibrary.org. If you would like to help and donate, because I raise all the funds privately, it's over a million dollars a year that needs to be raised to pay for the books and the mailing. There's also a donate button on that page.

Chris: Incredible. Well, thank you for your work. And I know Dolly would be proud to know that you're still going strong with it. And I think I agree with you. I think that's the crown jewel of her philanthropic efforts. And I think it's something to be celebrated. So, First Lady, thank you so much. We appreciate it.

Susan Gianforte: Thank you, Chris.