Shropshire shop owner gives guitars to girls in memory of Dolly Parton

A music shop owner in Shropshire has given away three guitars to young women and girls in memory of Dolly Parton, who died on 25 August aged 80. Alex Harris of Big Al's Music Emporium in Wem said the US superstar inspired him to help girls pursue music. Harris offered a guitar on Facebook after praising Parton as "an icon and legend of music, but also an incredibly kind person". The post received thousands of likes and shares, prompting customers to donate items like gig bags, tuners, strings, and learn-to-play books. One guitar went to an 18-year-old girl with dwarfism needing a smaller instrument, while another went to 17-year-old Amelia, who called Parton a big influence. Amelia said receiving the guitar felt "surreal" and she hopes to play songs for friends and family.