Jeni’s Teams Up With Dolly Parton on a Delicious New Ice Cream Flavor to Benefit Her Imagination Library

When it comes to finding innovative ways to contribute to society, Dolly Parton knows no limits. She created Dollywood to spotlight her home state of Tennessee and boost the regional economy, and she founded the Imagination Library to deliver free books to underserved children. She also helped fund research for a COVID-19 vaccine. And, of course, she’s given us songs to help us express practically every feeling we’ve ever had.

But to people whose lifeblood is ice cream, Dolly Parton’s latest venture might be the most exciting idea of all. Jeni’s is releasing a new flavor inspired by the Queen of Country called “Strawberry Pretzel Pie,” which promises to be at least as delicious as it sounds—if not more. The base is cream cheese ice cream, with strawberry swirls and pretzel streusel mixed in. It’s a tribute to the layered dessert seen at many picnics, potlucks, and family reunions in the South and Midwest (though it’s sometimes served in a casserole dish and referred to as “strawberry pretzel salad”). The traditional dish includes Jell-O, and it’s believed to have originated from a 1960s cookbook called The Joys of Jell-O.

Jeni’s is releasing its ice cream version of the dessert at 12 p.m. EST on April 8, and there are only going to be about 10,000 pints in circulation. In other words, you’ll have to act fast if you want a taste. You can either order yours online (no more than two pints per purchase) as soon as it drops, or you can stake out a nearby Jeni’s shop on April 8. If you choose to pick up a pint in person, Jeni’s advises you to arrive before the store even opens.

If you need a reason to shirk work to secure some Strawberry Pretzel Pie (other than “I love Dolly Parton” or “I love ice cream”), here’s a great one: Profits will benefit Parton’s aforementioned Imagination Library. Since its inception in 1995, the organization has donated more than 154 million free books to children between the ages of 0 and 5—an important way to promote literacy and a love of reading among kids who aren’t yet old enough to go to school. You could help support that mission by indulging in your favorite frozen treat.

Mark your calendar for 12 p.m. on April 8, and register for email updates about the flavor here.

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