08/26/2026
We lost an icon yesterday and it still doesn't feel real. While she gave so much joy through her singing ability and musical talents, Dolly made her biggest impact with the creation of her Imagination Library. She was always proud that her little program grew into what it is today. She was proudest of what it meant to her Dad. In her own words: "My Daddy told me the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done."
The concept, while unbelievably generous, is quite simple: 1 book in the mail, for every month a child is signed up, until they turn 5 - at zero cost to the family. That's 60 books before your child goes off to kindergarten, at no cost to you.
75 nonprofit organizations across Ohio are responsible for 50% of the cost of Imagination Library books in their assigned county. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio matches the other 50% of the cost, ensuring the program remains free for all families.
In lieu of flowers, her family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, helping to continue this incredible program she was so proud of.
We sponsor the following 7 Ohio counties for Dolly's library: Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Meigs, Pike, Scioto, Vinton. We are extremely proud to say that since 2019, we've helped provide over 592,000 books to these 7 counties.
If you wish to donate in support of Dolly's Imagination Library in one of these 7 counties, you can do so here: tinyurl.com/escseo-26donate
You can choose to dedicate the gift in her memory and list which county you'd like your donation to go to specifically. Just $25 provides one child with a full year of books, laying out the groundwork for kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning.
If you'd like to support another Ohio county, you can find which partner supports your chosen country and donate to them here: www.ohioimaginationlibrary.org/localpartners
Dolly, we will always love you.❤
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