Deborah van der Linde
Most people recognize the name, Dolly Parton. However, not only is she a famous singer and songwriter, but on top of that, she is also a humanitarian, giving back not just to her own community, but to children around the world.
She is continuing this work through the COVID-19 pandemic by teaming up with Telus Optik TV to bring comforting bedtime stories right into the homes of Canadians.
“We are thrilled to showcase legendary singer, songwriter and amazing humanitarian Dolly Parton and her uplifting video series to Canadians, particularly during a time when we need her inspiration the most,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO, TELUS. “The first five episodes have already received millions of views and terrific feedback online, and we are delighted to bring ‘Goodnight with Dolly’ directly to our customers’ homes through Optik TV.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ia-ozHDaLs
“Goodnight with Dolly,” part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, features Ms. Parton snuggled in her bed, reading ten children’s books that were chosen specifically to bring hope, love, and positivity to children and their families.
“This is something I have been wanting to do for quite a while, but the timing never felt quite right. I think it is pretty clear that now is the time to share a story and to share some love. It is an honor for me to share the incredible talent of these authors and illustrators. They make us smile, they make us laugh and they make us think,” said Dolly Parton.
Thus far, the first five episodes are available for free on Optik TV, with the five remaining episodes being rolled out over the coming weeks.
Goodnight with Dolly can also be viewed on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library YouTube Channel.
The shows feature books such as:
There’s a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake, by Loren Long
Llama Llama Red Pajama, by Anna Dewdney
I Am a Rainbow, by Dolly Parton
Pass It On, by Sophy Henn
Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon, by Patty Lovell
Violet the Pilot, by Steve Breen
Max & The Tag-Along Moon, by Floyd Cooper
Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Peña
Coat of Many Colors, by Dolly Parton
The Little Engine That Could, by Watty Piper.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children in the hopes of encouraging literacy.
The program started in 1995 in Parton’s hometown in Tennessee, but quickly expanded.
“At Imagination Library, we have gifted more than 135 million books to children and are currently gifting books to 1.5 million children worldwide each month, aiming to inspire children to achieve educational success.
This series is an extension of this goal and that is why we are so excited to have TELUS on board, allowing us to connect with even more children and families in Canada,” said David Dotson, CEO, The Dollywood Foundation.
As well as “Goodnight with Dolly,” Telus is also offering many channels for free on Optik TV, including educational ones like Family, Family Jr, BBC Earth, and National Geographic. To find more about this initiative by Telus, visit the Stay Educated section of telus.com/stayconnected.
