FAQs - Krewe of Dolly

“We’re a loose group. I mean, we’re not loose women, we’re just not very well organized."

What is the Krewe’s mission?

The Krewe of Dolly engages the community through special appearances and events to support causes close to Dolly’s heart with a focus on children’s literacy in New Orleans. Stated simply, What Would Dolly Do?

Who can join?

In the spirit of inclusiveness, the Krewe of Dolly is open to all. There is no waiting list and membership is not capped. Registration opens to new members every year on 9 to 5 Day, September 5! Please subscribe to our newsletter to stay in touch and receive reminders about new member registration.

What’s the commitment required to be a Dolly or a Kenny?

We welcome members to participate at the level they are able; there is no participation requirement. For behind the scenes folks, wearing a costume is not required! And as our literacy initiatives grow, members can volunteer in a variety of roles to support the krewe’s mission.

Are out of towners allowed to be members?

Sure! We ask out of towners to consider their ability to travel for events and weigh that with the cost of dues. Our mission is to engage in the local community to promote children's literacy in New Orleans. If you can’t visit frequently but want to support the krewe’s mission, please consider a tax deductible donation to support our literacy initiatives.

I just want to be in a Mardi Gras parade! What is the parade experience like?

It is a ton of fun and a lot of walking! As a literacy nonprofit, we focus our resources on our mission and do not currently own a support vehicle. As a result, members should be prepared to march the route carrying all personal items. In addition to Uptown parades, we usually participate in Bosom Buddies in the French Quarter. It's a great option for members who prefer a shorter stroll!

When are most events?

We typically have a krewe event once a month, but sometimes more frequently. Participation is optional and members are notified of events and parades as soon as we are confirmed with organizers. Dates for events can vary from year to year, just like Mardi Gras! In addition to parades and fundraisers, we have smaller community events like book readings and informal social gatherings throughout the year. Please see our list of events for more details about where to find us!

What is the cost and what do dues cover?

Dues are $250 per year and cover the costs to parade, host Krewe events, and fund our mission. Members provide their own costume. We offer a 50% discount for educators and students to honor Dolly's lifelong work inspiring a love of reading. And if you are an educator or student able to pay the full amount to support our mission, we very much appreciate it!

What is the required costume?

We have many events where no costume is required! For costumed events, the only requirement is a head of big blonde hair (wig or natural)! Be the fabulous Dolly that speaks to you. We want members to be comfortable and wear any blonde shade that complements their skin tone. Just as Dolly said, "I'm not offended by all of the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb … and I also know that I'm not blonde."

What is the age range of the Dollies?

Our members range in age from their 20s to their 60s. All adults 18 and over are welcome!

My partner wants to participate. What do they need to do?

Awesome! If your partner wants to attend every event, they can join as a member. Alternatively, we often need support at parades and select events. Partners, friends, and family of members ages 18 and above can provide support at parades as a Kenny Rogers or a Willie Nelson! Please note that numbers of Support Kennies and Willies are limited based on event needs and will be assigned duties. For Kennies and Willies who want to march alongside their Dolly for the entire parade, consider joining as a full member!

How many members do you have?

I'm in other Mardi Gras krewes, is that a problem?

Not at all! Many of our members participate in other marching groups and krewes. More is more, bring on the Mardi Gras Magic!

I've had negative experiences with Mardi Gras groups in the past. How do you deal with these issues?

Krewe of Dolly members have the right to feel safe, respected, and protected during participation in the organization. Our Brave Space Policy describes how the organization ensures the social, emotional, and physical safety of all members. Above all, What Would Dolly Do?

Who leads the Krewe of Dolly?

The krewe is lead by an all-volunteer board dedicated to the mission of the organization. The current board consists of five officers supported by three committee chairs.

Is the Krewe of Dolly a nonprofit?

What is the Imagination Library?

Dolly's Imagination Library is the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation dedicated to promoting literacy and inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to registered children from birth to age 5. The Foundation partners with local nonprofits to build and maintain a database of registered children within a zip code to provide hand-selected, age-appropriate, high-quality books each month. As the local program partner, the Krewe of Dolly raises the funds needed to ship the books that the Imagination Library sources at low cost.

I subscribed to the newsletter. Now what?

We send periodic newsletters that include information about upcoming appearances, literacy events, and volunteer opportunities. Please add us to your contacts to avoid emails from going to spam. And pay close attention to emails as new member registration approaches on September 5!

Is there a required bust size?