Dolly Parton’s philanthropy inspiration is her father who couldn’t read or write: ‘I saw how crippling that could be’

While it may not be adorned in rhinestones and diamonds, Dolly Parton’s name is now etched over the doors of the former East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, which this week announced it would be named after the legendary country music star. 

Parton, who hails from Locust Ridge, Tennessee, has worked for decades on behalf of kids and families in her home state and far beyond. The nonprofit pediatric facility, which has served the region for roughly 90 years, is entering a...