08/28/2026
We’re grateful for the life, lessons and legacy of Dolly Parton.
Through her philanthropy, love for others and deep commitment to children and community well-being, Dolly showed us the power of kindness, generosity and coming together to create a better future.
We’re proud to have been among the United Ways across the country that partnered to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to our communities. Here in Dane County, this important work continues through our wonderful partners at Madison Reading Project, Inc., helping put books into the hands of local children.
And, in honor of Dolly, a fun fact: Our President & CEO, Renee Moe, says her first cassette tape was Dolly Parton’s Greatest Hits. ❤️
Thank you, Dolly, for showing us what it means to use your platform and resources to lift others up. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations.
Dolly Parton gave the world songs people knew by heart.
Through her Imagination Library, she also gave millions of children something to hold in their hands: a book of their own.
What began as the idea of mailing a free, age-appropriate book to a child every month grew into a global movement helping children discover the joy of reading from the very beginning.
Since 2009, United Way has been proud to help carry that vision into communities, partnering with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library so more children could grow up with books of their own.
Dolly’s work showed how something as simple as a book could open a door to possibility. Her generosity and belief in children have helped shape generations of young readers.
We honor Dolly’s remarkable life, her friendship with United Way and the generations of young readers whose lives will continue to be shaped by the stories she helped place in their hands. Thank you, Dolly. ❤️
Our full remembrance of Dolly and the legacy she helped build: https://untdwy.org/4hOThrk