Krewe of Dolly: Rhinestones to Reading
There's a group of bouffant blonde wig-wearing, rhinestone-covered Dollies making a huge impact in New Orleans. The Krewe of Dolly is devoted to amplifying Dolly's literacy efforts throughout the South in the most dazzling ways possible. Meet the Krewe! Image: Tammie Quintana
In the heart of New Orleans, where parades are as plentiful as beignets, a group of spirited Dolly Parton lovers asked themselves, “What would Dolly do?” The answer was simple: spread joy, sequins, and a love for reading. In 2020, some dedicated Dollies united to form the Krewe of Dolly to celebrate the legendary Dolly Parton and bolster her efforts in children’s literacy. I got to chat with two founding board members to learn more about this peculiarly fantastic organization.
The Krewe of Dolly has gained locomotive steam
“It really just started as a fun event where we all wore our wigs,” President of Krewe of Dolly Kari Ayala tells me. “And we’ve since grown into a sizable 501(c)(3) with about 400 members and counting.” What started as a small ensemble of Dolly enthusiasts quickly snowballed into a full-fledged movement. Everyone in Cresent City knows the “Dollies.” The Krewe’s infectious energy and commitment to community engagement attracts members from all walks of life, united by a shared love for the Queen of Country and a desire to make a difference.
Want to become a member? You have one day a year!
If you’re an interested Dolly (or Kenny or Willie, men!), the Krewe of Dolly is open to everyone. There’s no waiting list, and membership is never capped. Registration opens to new members every year on September 5 (9/5. Get it?!) Once your $250 annual dues are paid, there are no requirements for involvement, but most NOLA area members are thrilled to don their bouffant hairstyles, rhinestones, and fringe and hit the town for the Krewe’s various fundraisers and community events.
They’re working “9 to 5” for literacy
Krewe of Dolly’s calendar is now jam-packed with at least one monthly event, from strutting their stuff at local parades to embarking on fundraiser bar crawls to reading to kids at local libraries. Director of Social Media Sarah Post tells me, “We’ve seen more and more people show up at our events. We’re easy to spot! Most of us go all out with the costumes. We also have members from all over the country who may not live in New Orleans but want to donate financially to our cause. It’s been so cool to see the growth.”
Being a part of Dolly’s Imagination Library is a BIG DEAL.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Krewe of Dolly aspires to improve children’s literacy by funding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in New Orleans. Since 1995, children worldwide enrolled in the Imagination Library have received one age-appropriate book in the mail each month until they are five years old. Dolly is building a collection of 60 free books for millions of kids and their deserving families, and that’s in part due to groups like Krewe of Dolly.
“We’re so proud to finally be an official partner of Imagination Library,” Kari says. “There was a lot of red tape to get through to get here because her program is so huge, but we have officially opened up every zip code in Orleans Parish for the Imagination Library, benefiting more than 20,000 kids from birth to five years old.” As of 2024, Dolly’s initiative mails approximately three million books a month to kids worldwide, reaching one in seven children in the United States.
Research shows the program’s impact. A large UK study found that parents receiving Imagination Library books were 30% more likely to read daily with their child. Children enrolled for over a year had a 40% increased chance of achieving a “Good Level of Development” and a 54% increased chance of meeting early reading goals. Way to go, Dolly and the Krewe!
Parades, parties, and a lot of philanthropy
When they’re not busy distributing books, the Krewe knows how to let their hair down (preferably in a big, blonde bouffant). They’ve graced numerous parades, including the Krewe of King Arthur Parade and the Krewe of Tucks Parade, dazzling spectators with their glittering costumes and infectious joie de vivre. Their annual Dolly’s Birthday Bash fundraiser has become a must-attend event. Here’s a recap of this year’s bash from the Krewe’s talented photographer, Tammie Quintana:
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I asked Sarah and Kari for their best advice for others looking to start a nonprofit or community initiative. “It’s not going to take off your first few years,” Sarah says. “Be patient, and don’t try to be perfect.” She also stresses the importance of supporting other causes, not competing with them. “The Mystic Dollies of Mobile is our sister Krewe, and we’re always bouncing ideas off each other. We also try to be intentional about who we partner with, the events we hold, and where the money goes. Don’t try to do too much at the beginning. Keep it simple, and it will grow.”
“We heard through the grapevine that Dolly does know about us,” Kari admits through a huge smile. “Some of our social media posts have gone slightly viral thanks to Sarah.” There’s no doubt in my mind that if the next five years grow like their first five, Dolly herself will be flying to NOLA to hop in line with her Krewe very soon.
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Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.