Dolly Parton's ‘all-American heart’: How country icon forged special bond with US military

Dolly Parton cultivated a special relationship with the U.S. military throughout her career, performing for troops, recording patriotic music, and even having her likeness featured on military aircraft. Her personal connection was deepened by her husband’s Army service. Parton’s patriotism was evident in her public statements and actions, including a direct message to Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War era, and her support extended to military families through her Imagination Library program.

• Dolly Parton maintained a lasting connection with the U.S. military, performing for troops and military families.
• Her likeness appeared on U.S. military aircraft, including a KC-135 Stratotanker named “Miss Dolly.”
• Parton released a patriotic album titled “For God and Country” in 2003.
• She performed for troops watching from Iraq via video feed in 2005.
• Her Imagination Library program provided free books to children in military families.
• Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, served two years in the Army.
• She once delivered a strong message to Saddam Hussein during a visit to Fort Hood, Texas.