Dolly Participates in Young Eaglet Release

4/10/2008 Staff Country Music legend Dolly Parton teamed up with the United States Mint to celebrate the recovery of the Bald Eagle species by releasing a young eaglet back into the wild.  Rescued by the American Eagle Foundation, the eaglet was set free during a ceremony at Douglas Lake which is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains.  Al Cecere, founder and president of the American Eagle Foundation, led the proceedings. Dolly helped the U.S. Mint also celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as well as its reissuing of three commemorative coins.  A $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half-dollar clad coin each feature various depictions of eagles and eaglets in nature. "We are proud to be part of this historic day and the creation of these beautiful commemorative coins that further the recovery efforts of our Nation's symbol of freedom," said Gloria C. Eskridge, the United States Mint's Associate Director for Sales and Marketing.  A satellite feed of the event will be available on Friday, April 11th, from  4:30-04:45 AM ET, C Band Analog, AMC 3, Tr. 8, DL 3860V. Those who wish to purchase Bald Eagle Commemorative Coins can visit www.usmint.gov, or call toll-free, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).