Dolly Parton performed a Thanksgiving halftime show that will be remembered for years to come. The 77-year-old helped kick off the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign at the Dallas Cowboys NFL game against the Washington Commanders, wearing a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader outfit. Parton performed her hits “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” along with “We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You,” the latter from her just-released Rockstar album.
“It’s important for me to be involved in anything wonderful, especially for the holidays,” Parton told the New York Post. “Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for, and so I want to do things to help someone else. That’s why I’m so proud to be part of this Red Kettle Foundation charity event that the Dallas Cowboys of course do every year … I’m just out here trying to help”
In a video ahead of her performance, Parton, who kicked off the campaign by donating one million dollars to the cause, explained why she wanted to partner with the Salvation Army
“This year, I’ve teamed up with the Salvation Army to Love Beyond the Holidays,” Parton shared. “And when you drop a dollar in that red kettle, you can make a difference for families who are struggling to put food on the table, and for the single parent who can’t make rent. Show your neighbors in need Love Beyond the Holidays, by finding a red kettle or giving online at SalvationArmyUSA.org.”
Parton has had one of the most successful music careers of all time, but she isn’t keeping all of her wealth to herself. The philanthropist has made it a habit to be generous with her resources, including her Imagination Library, and donating one million dollars to help fund the COVID-19 vaccine.
Last year, Parton was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, honoring the numerous financial contributions she has made throughout the years.
“When I got into a position to be able to do it on a larger scale, I did,” Parton told Vogue. “It means a lot to me. How hard can it be for me to take pride in the Imagination Library, knowing that I’m helping put books in the hands of children all over the world? It’s more about children learning to read — it’s the fact they get recognized. They get this little book with their little name on it in the mail, and they feel special. They start taking pride in themselves, and they know that somebody out there is thinking of [them].”
Watch Parton’s NFL performance here. Purchase Rockstar and find all of Parton’s music at DollyParton.com.