``Down Home Country'' Calendar Features Photographs of Country Music Stars and Tennesseans With Down Syndrome.

Entertainment Editors & Music Writers

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NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--June 13, 2000

Dolly Parton and 12 Country Artists Dispel Myths About Down Syndrome 

In a campaign to erase negative stereotypes and increase awareness of abilities of children and adults with Down syndrome, the nonprofit Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee is launching the "Down Home Country" calendar in June.

The 2001 calendar features Dolly Parton, Chely Wright, Naomi Judd and ten other country music stars photographed with Middle Tennessee children and adults who have Down syndrome. Two mothers of children with Down syndrome spearheaded the project, with help from the country music industry and dozens of volunteers.

The Down Home Country calendar is available for $15 by calling 800/733-5315. Proceeds benefit the DSAMT's support services and education for families, professionals and the community.

Parton got involved with the Down Home Country(R) calendar after receiving a personal request from Daniel Aguila of Nashville, whose 33-year old son Danny has Down syndrome and has made several trips to Dollywood.

"It is a honor and privilege to join other artists to help such special children," said Parton, who is featured on the cover with five children and adults at Dollywood, her East Tennessee theme park.

Other artists featured in the calendar are Patty Loveless, Blackhawk, Sammy Kershaw, Delbert McClinton, The Kinleys, Little Big Town, Mark Wills, Marty Roe of Diamond Rio, Shane Minor and the Wilkinsons.

"Children with Down syndrome have tremendous abilities," said Sheila Moore, executive director of DSAMT. "We can't put limits on a person simply because he or she has a disability."

Moore's son Matthew, 10, was photographed with Marty Roe, lead singer for Diamond Rio, for the calendar's September month.

Added Moore, "The photographs in the calendar send a message that children and adults with Down syndrome can be happy, healthy and accepted by society. This is a very positive message for all of us--whether you are a parent learning that your child has Down syndrome, a country music fan or any member of our community."

Down syndrome is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality, occurring once in approximately every 800 to 1,000 live births. Over 350,000 people in the United States alone have Down syndrome, which usually includes some degree of mental retardation, or cognitive disability and other developmental delays.

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