RINGGOLD, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Dozens of people gathered in Ringgold on Saturday morning for “The Dolly Walk,” an event organized by a local bookstore celebrating Dolly Parton’s legacy of kindness, music and literacy.

Participants were encouraged to donate a book to Communities in Schools’ Catoosa County chapter.

“We have a home visitation program that we do in our community called Parents as Teachers. Our staff and educators visit families in their homes, and they teach them all kinds of skills about parenting. They support them, they make our families more resilient, connect them to resources,” Penny Mahon, the chapter’s executive director, said. “One of the cornerstones of this program is to bring books to every visit.”

Many walkers said their connection to Parton dates back years.

“I’ve always loved Dolly since I was a little girl,” said Tami Rich, a Dolly fan.

“I have always loved Dolly. When I was little, I even had a dog named Jolene,” said Melissa Quinn.

Quinn said her appreciation for Parton goes beyond her music.

“She was such a wonderful humanitarian. She never forgot where she came from. She just felt like your aunt,” Quinn said.

For some attendees, the walk carried personal significance.

“Our purpose today is basically to help people channel their grief into maybe a character trait Dolly Parton had that they want to emulate in their life,” said Rhonda Swaney, owner of Book & Barrel and the walk’s organizer.

The walk went through downtown Ringgold and ended at a mural of Parton in the town center.

Ringgold’s connection to Parton

Parton got married in Ringgold, a fact organizers said locals take pride in.

Every Mother’s Day weekend, Ringgold holds the Dolly Dash, a 10K and 5K race. Ahead of this year’s race, organizers set out banners for people to sign with messages about what reminds them of Parton. The banners will be displayed throughout town during Dolly Dash weekend.

Organizers said the walk, the 5K, and the mural downtown all connect back to honoring what Parton represents: kindness, community and giving back.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.