Books and blondes brought dozens out to a Dolly Parton tribute drag brunch at The Phoenix Bar & Lounge on Sunday.
The country music star and philanthropist died Aug. 25 at 80. The afternoon event, hosted by both the bar and local nonprofit Sin Sity Sisters, doubled as a children’s book drive in honor of one of Parton’s literacy efforts.
Timothy Taycher, a local fan of Parton, organized the book drive. Books are currently being collected at five different LGBTQ+ friendly businesses across the Las Vegas area. Participating locations include The Phoenix, Dust Las Vegas, Quadz Las Vegas, Honey Vintage and Bath, and Customistic. More than 500 books had been collected for Parton’s Imagination Library and local organization Spread the Word Nevada as of Sunday afternoon.
“It’s just been so heartwarming to see the Las Vegas community show up,” Taycher said.
Billy Piero, a member of the Sin Sity Sisters who goes by Sister Prudence, said the organization shared values with Parton.
“Anytime that you have somebody that is so supportive of our community, we want to do everything to support them too,” Piero told the Review-Journal. “… She was such a supporter of our community. We want to honor her and support her back.”
The brunch also raised $547 for the Sin Sity Sisters, who operate the Sisters AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
Contact Madeline Carter at [email protected].