Dolly Parton is taking part in a celebrity auction, donating one of her most prized possessions, to benefit the ACM Lifting Lives® COVID-19 Response Fund. Christie’s Auction House is partnering with ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music, to help raise money for those financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, with Dolly and other celebrities donating their personal items to be auctioned off.
Dolly is donating her Swarovski-crystal bedazzled four-string dulcimer, which she has owned for 30 years, accompanied by its original stand. Dolly used the dulcimer to celebrate her 50th Anniversary performing at the Grand Ole Opry in 2019.
“Seeing my country music community suffer due to the pandemic has broken my heart,” Dolly said in a statement. “It was important to donate the dulcimer that was designed for my 50th Opry Anniversary so we can raise awareness and much needed funds to keep these folks on their feet before we can open the doors to our stages once again.”
Dolly isn’t the only artist participating in the auction. Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Marty Stuart, Bernie Taupin, and Trisha Yearwood have all agreed to participate as well.
“We are immensely grateful to the artists in the Nashville community and beyond who have generously donated items for this auction in collaboration with Christie’s,” said Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives. “Every winning bid will go towards our COVID-19 Response Fund to support the workers of our country music community: the tour bus drivers, aspiring musicians, techs and venue workers – so many of whom have lost their livelihoods overnight during the course of this pandemic. So far, the fund has distributed $1.5 million and we are hoping the sale of these iconic items will enable us to support more affected by this crisis.”
“Christie’s is honored to work with the music community in Nashville and partner with ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund to support the country music frontline workers who are in need at this time,” added Nancy Valentino, Strategic Business and Client Development, Christie’s. “We are particularly excited to be offering the first musical instrument ever to appear at a global auction from Dolly Parton.
“Her magnanimity in donating her gold, Swarovski-studded one-of-a-kind Dulcimer and stand played at her Grand Ole Opry 50th Anniversary Show, speaks to the enduring appeal of Dolly Parton as an artist so loved and lauded around the world for both her music and philanthropy,” she continued.
Find more information at Christies.com.
Photo Credit: Chris Hollo