08/25/2026
Today we’re remembering Dolly Parton, not only as a country music legend, but as a woman whose heart seemed to have room for just about everybody… including the four-legged ones.
Dolly’s love for animals wasn’t just something she talked about. She found meaningful ways to use her success to help them.
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood was created in partnership with the American Eagle Foundation to provide a place for non-releasable bald eagles and other birds of prey while educating visitors about conservation. The sanctuary became an important part of Dollywood’s efforts to teach people about protecting these incredible animals.
Doggy Parton was perhaps one of the sweetest examples of Dolly’s love for pets. Her pet apparel and accessory line was created with her own love of animals in mind, and a portion of the proceeds supports Willa B. Farms Animal Rescue in Old Hickory, Tennessee. Their rescue is dedicated to helping homeless, neglected, abused and abandoned animals find safety, care and love.
And then there was Billy the Kid, Dolly’s beloved French bulldog and god-dog. Dolly turned her love for Billy into a series of children’s books, including Billy the Kid Makes It Big, Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, and Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out. Through those stories, she brought her love of dogs, family, kindness and being yourself to an entirely new generation.
And while Dolly’s philanthropy reached far beyond animals, from children’s literacy through her Imagination Library to disaster relief and countless other causes, there’s something especially beautiful about the way she used her platform to help creatures who have no voice of their own.
She understood something that every animal lover knows. Love doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s simply making sure someone has food, a safe place to sleep, a little kindness, and somebody who believes they’re worth saving. That kind of love leaves a mark.
As a small business built around making wholesome treats for the dogs we love, we can’t help but appreciate that part of Dolly’s legacy. Every dog deserves to be spoiled, celebrated and loved like family.
Dolly, thank you for leaving a little more kindness in the world than you found in it. Thank you for loving big, giving generously, and reminding us that there is always room to care for one more.
Rest peacefully, Dolly. The world and especially all of us animal lovers will miss you.
