Dolly Parton's ‘all-American heart’: How country icon forged special bond with US military
Dolly Parton's bond with the military included troop performances, patriotic art on a KC-135 Stratotanker and a fiery message to Saddam Hussein.
TL;DR
- 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.