MUSIC ICON DOLLY PARTON VISITS PANTAGES THEATER, TACOMA
Celebrates statewide coverage of the Imagination Library
TACOMA, Wash. – Music icon and noted philanthropist Dolly Parton visited the historic Pantages Theater in Tacoma on Tuesday, August 15 to celebrate statewide coverage of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that provides a high-quality, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled young children at no cost to families in all 39 Washington counties.
Livestreamed on TVW, the event featured performances from the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association,
the University of Washington Drumline, and songs from the guest of honor herself. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck proclaimed August 15 “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Day”.
Tacoma City Theaters supported the event production and was thrilled to be selected as the venue. “It was an honor for our team to host such a legendary performer,” said Lynn Carlotto, Tacoma City Theaters’ General Manager. “The mission of the Imagination Library is an important one for our community, and we were thrilled to provide support. It was also wonderful for Tacoma Youth Symphony, one of our eight Resident Arts Organizations, to be asked to participate – a moment those young performers will never forget”.
Lynn continues: “Pantages Theater was built on the site of Tacoma’s first library. It seems fitting to have this historic and beautifully restored venue play host to an event celebrating books and literacy.”
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards was one of the guests in attendance. “I am grateful to Dolly Parton for being here to celebrate such monumental milestones for Washington children and for her work that inspires a love of reading in our youngest children across the world through the Imagination Library,” said Mayor Victoria Woodards. “The Imagination Library is changing lives for the better and helping families ensure their young ones are building necessary habits and skills to be more prepared to succeed in life.”
While at the venue, Dolly made a permanent imprint on its walls as she has on the hearts of millions by signing a section of the basement, where hundreds of artists before her have also made their mark.
According to the Imagination Library of Washington, currently, more than 65,000 children in Washington are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and in total, more than 1.6 million books have been gifted to children across the state. Prior to state commitment, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was only available in a handful of Washington regions.
The event is available for viewing at https://tvw.org/video/imagination-library-statewide-celebration-2023081070/
ABOUT TACOMA CITY THEATERS
Tacoma City Theaters, owned by the City of Tacoma and managed by ASM Global, is home to the historic Pantages Theater, Rialto Theater, and Theater on the Square. They host eight Resident Arts Organizations, enriching the community with presentations of a diverse schedule of performances, special events, and educational programs. The venues showcase live entertainment ranging from concerts and comedy to movie showings, original theater, spoken word, and performances by international touring artists and productions. (TacomaCityTheaters.org)