David Dotson

David Dotson served as CEO of The Dollywood Foundation from 1999 to 2021, leading the global expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library from a local initiative to a program that now delivers books to over 1.7 million children in five countries, totaling more than 150 million books. He also directed the My People Fund relief effort following the 2016 Sevier County wildfires, raising $12 million to assist 900 families and supporting ongoing recovery efforts through local nonprofits.

David oversaw projects including Dolly’s book publications, a children’s album, museum development, website management, and theatrical productions at Dollywood. After stepping down, he remained in leadership roles through 2022 before retiring to focus on writing, travel, and time with his family in the Smoky Mountains.