Dolly Parton and Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council are launching a global "Coat of Many Colors" patch program created and piloted this spring by Tanasi Girl Scouts. The patch program is based on Parton's ballad about taking pride in yourself-no matter the circumstances.
"Have you ever felt bad about being different?" Parton asks Girl Scouts. "I'll bet you have, but you shouldn't-being different is what makes you special!"
Parton immortalized her coat of many colors in her 1971 song, "Coat of Many Colors." Dolly Parton's mother sewed the now famous garment from rags. Young Dolly proudly wore the coat to school, only to find classmates making fun of it. Parton turned the devastating experience into a song and now, through Tanasi Council, the "Coat of Many Colors" patch can help Girl Scouts develop self-esteem and compassion for others.
The first 450 girls who earned the patch are from Parton's native East Tennessee, and she honored them at her Dollywood theme park over the weekend with colorful patches and huge hugs. She also performed the song for the girls.
"Now, I think twice before saying something to someone who looks different; I don’t want to hurt their feelings," said Girl Scout Melia Killion. "Plus, you can be rich without having a lot of money, as long as you have people who love you ... And I am rich!"
Details about the patch program can be found at tanasi.org
