Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon serves as the CEO of Bonaventure Senior Living. In this brief Q&A, Hamilton lauds Dolly Parton as an inspiration for all seniors. According to Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon, Ms. Parton is widely recognized for her talents as a singer, songwriter and actress. More importantly, says Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon, she has served her countrymen as an activist and charitable fundraiser. Q: Where was Dolly Parton born? Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly Parton was born one of 12 children to a rural Appalachian family. Her humble beginnings bolstered her commitment to helping others.

Q: How did Dolly’s career begin?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly moved to Nashville soon after graduating from high school.

Q: What was her first major accomplishment?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly Parton’s career took off when she began collaborating on duets with Porter Wagoner. She appeared regularly on The Porter Wagoner Show.

Q: She’s had a number of hits…

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly accumulated a slew of Number One country singles, 25 in total.

Q: What were some of her notable accomplishments?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Famous Dolly Parton hits have included “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” and “Coat of Many Colors.” She received the coveted Female Vocalist of the Year award from the Country Music Association twice.

Q: But Dolly Parton didn’t stop there…

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Not at all! Dolly showed her creative range by accepting movie roles in the 1980s.

Q: Where would audiences have seen her?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Her most notable role was in the film, 9 to 5.

Q: What other interests did Dolly pursue?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: She opened her theme park called Dollywood in 1986, which is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Thousands of families flock to the Smoky Mountains destination each year.

Q: Dolly loves to give back, from what I read…

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Yes. Dolly has been involved in a number of charitable organizations throughout the years. They serve a wide variety of individuals.

Q: Can you tell me what is Dolly Parton’s favorite cause?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly is widely heralded for her work with literacy programs.

Q: What are some examples?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: In 1995, she formed the Imagination Library. The program sends a book each month to children until they enter kindergarten.

Q: Are there other organizations that Dolly has helped?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Yes, actually… Dolly Parton has offered her time and money to many other organizations. Examples include the Save the Music Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Q: What other interests does Dolly Parton have?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dolly also holds a special interest in natural wildlife.

Q: Has Dolly Parton been recognized for her efforts?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Dollywood received a Partnership Award in 2003 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The park was honored for its work towards the protection of the bald eagle.

Q: What would you say makes Dolly Parton special?

Kelley D. Hamilton, Salem Oregon: Her hard-working attitude and zest for life inspire people of all ages. Seniors should be encouraged to follow their own dreams because of her success.

 

For Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon, senior adults like Dolly Parton prove that life doesn’t end at a certain age. Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon, often uses these examples of famous seniors to motivate residents. Kelley D. Hamilton of Salem, Oregon recognizes that staying active after retirement is the key to a long, healthy life.