Rotherham unremarkable? How dare you!

It has some of the worst housing and schools in the UK and in common with its neighbouring towns in South Yorkshire has a long history of bad administration and corruption.

It certainly is in urgent need of a literacy programme - too many of its children leave primary school unable to read and write properly. To see the results, visit the town centre on a Friday and saturday night.

It is truly a remarkable town.

Peter Lloyd, BLACKER HILL, South Yorkshire

Are these people crazy? Dolly wants to *help* the children of their town, and, as she does not live next door, maybe they could be a little more accommodating? Or perhaps she should take her successful charity program to another English town.... or, out of England altogether?

Christopher, San Francisco, USA

I wantedto go to stand outside the place but couldn't get out of work unless I lied at least these people have that oppurtunity to start reading schemes at such a young age is important it works Even for children with reading difficultys I Dolly is prepared to fly half way across the globe surely they can hold a meeting for an hour I work in a school and have a dyslexic son So kind of know how imoportant this is

che, nottingham, england

Here is a poem I wrote earlier this year called 'White Limousine'

Mostly I drove the white limousine on a Saturday afternoon-
from the bride's house, to the church, and on to the reception, then sometines on Sundays to the airport for the honeymoon!
A call came in late one Saturday evening for a short trip-in the limo-to the Empire Theatre-from the Adelphi Hotel
I said I'd do it for the right price- and they said they'd pay me well!

The Lady came down the steps with some big guy and got into the car
I looked at her beautiful face in the mirror- and I recognised a star!
'Is it really you?' I asked as I opened the door to let her out, politely
She pointed to the sign and said 'Honey, I'm appearing here twice nightly!'
Later when I checked the car, I found a souvenir-a rhinestone from her sparkling gown!
I'll make sure she gets it back-The next time Dolly Parton is in town!

Brian, Liverpool,

Councillor Tony Mannion should try and get beyond his petty little political games. The meeting was delayed an hour... hardly a train smash and in return for that, the town of Rotherham will be benefitting from a literacy scheme.

Chantel, UK,

Pathetic! Ignorance at it's best! It's really to bad that you all can not open you eyes and see past the size of her breasts to see that she is doing God's work.

Serena, Pikeville, Ky/ USA

Obviously there are bigger 'Charms' in Rotherham than Dolly.

Ali Murray, Solihull, UK

Well, I have to say I'm ALMOST speechless...but thank GOD I'm not! I find it sad and beyond ridiculous that someone can find fault in having a social function with another person because they think everyone is going to ignore all the problems on the table...a person who is going to set up a program promoting literacy, self-esteem, imagination, self-worth, and the possibility of obtaining ones dream....because of her figure? You need to take a look around Mr. Mannion, people come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and beliefs....what's important is what's on the inside...not the package it's wrapped in. And so what if Mr. Stone is a fan of country music, does that make this literacy program less worthy, or unwanted? Maybe we should leave it up to the little kids who will be receiving these books....I bet they'd like to have lunch with the "booklady" , as she's referred to here in the United States....and I'd bet $100.00 they wouldn't say a word about her "CUP" size.

Bianca, Eagleville, Missouri, USA

Councillor Mannion needs to get over himself. How has he contributed to the sum of human happiness? Ms. Parton's contribution goes without saying.

Jeremy Poynton, Fromeville, 51st State

Councillor Mannion, you should be ashamed of yourself. As with most other people in some sort of public office, it always seems to be the ones at the bottom of the political spectrum who are the most small minded. And who believe their own hype and rhetoric more than anyone else. The power station issue can wait a few days. Not like it'll go away. And when will Rotherham, a run down depressed South Yorkshire town attract a celebrity as famous as Dolly Parton again? I'm not a fan of DP, but surely even you should be able to see the benefits. As for the line about a storm in a D-cup, I'm sure you thought you were being clever and funny. But you just came across as a very, very sad, little man.

Chris, Chamonix, France

Was the meeting cancelled? No! It will take place an hour later. I don't think a power plant will be erected within that hour. The importance of literacy in North Yorkshire is a matter of importance. Ms. Parton's program is one of complete generocity that will help the future generation read and to become better leaders themselves. Maybe this Councillor should read about the program before speaking so harshly. AND, just as a side note, Ms. Parton is as "large" as critically mentioned. She is just an extremely petite woman in other respects. Her "attritbutes" are only a fraction of the size of heart, why don't you go and meet her and learn that for yourself.

JNB, Greenock, Scotland

Councillor Tony Mannion should get a life. Musically appreciative people would give up a whole lot more than a Council meeting to meet the extraordinarly talented Dolly, and without music to decorate it time is just a boring treadmile of bills to pay and deadlines to be met.

Arnold Ward, Weybridge, Surrey, UK

With all due respect:
In the first place I am insulted and embarrassed that something like the size of Mrs. Parton's breasts is even considered as a reason someone might ignore Councillor Mannion's objection to the luncheon. Dolly Parton has proven to be a beautiful, selfless human being and despite insults and blatantly sexist attacks, she has always risen above it with class and dignity. I am appalled that anyone in a position such as the Councillor would have the audacity to make such an ignorant statement. I understand that there is work to be done on behalf of Rotherham, but is children's literacy of less importance than any other issue? People often underestimate Dolly Parton because of the way she speaks or dresses, but she is an intelligent business woman, a brilliant songwriter, and a compassionate humanitarian. This kind of prejudice is demonstrated everyday and this incident shows how little progress has been made in this regard.

Red, Birmingham, USA