Country star Stella Parton to shine during benefit concert in Greensburg
GREENSBURG – Stella Parton, Dolly Parton’s sister and a country recording star in her own right, will perform in a special benefit concert in Westmoreland County at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, at The Word of Life Church on Route 136 near Greensburg. The concert is sponsored by the Christian Laymen Corps of Greensburg, a volunteer organization that aids various needy areas of Appalchia.
Proceeds from the concert will go to the Christian Laymen Corps, the Christian Appalachia Project (CAP) of Lancaster, Ky., and the host church.
“This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this,” said Charles Cunningham, founder of the Greensburg corps.
Parton is donating her time for the fund-raising effort to help people in Appalachia.
An international award-winning entertainer, Parton has produced 24 hit singles, 16 albums and has had roles in Broadway touring musicals that include “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Pump Boys and Dinettes” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
Parton has been a featured guest on “Live with Regis & Kathie Lee,” “Oprah,” “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” “Hee Haw,” “Crook & Chase” and the “American Music Awards.” She was one of five top nominees of both the Mainstream Country Artist of the Year and the Christian Country Music Association. Parton has collected numerous awards, and she recently returned to Appalachia to film her new video, “Up In The Holler,” in Paintsville, Ky.
“I wrote ‘Up In the Holler’ about my childhood in the Appalachian Mountains, but there’s a group that’s up in the hollers every day helping those in need,” Parton said.
The benefit concert in Westmoreland County is aimed at bringing awareness to various programs that are in place for those in the Appalachian Mountains, which run through 13 states.Tickets for Parton’s concert are available at the Christian Laymen Thrift Store, 258 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, or by calling 724-834-4464 and the Word of Life Church.