08/25/2026
Dolly Parton left behind an unmatched legacy of generosity and music when she passed away at age 80, transforming millions of children's lives through her dedication to childhood literacy.
Dolly was inspired to begin her literacy work by her father, Robert, because he never learned to read or write. She often shared that her father's brilliant mind was limited only by his inability to read. To honor him and her family, she founded Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 1995 to make sure no child felt left behind.
The program mails one free, high-quality book every month to children from birth until they start school. Over the last three decades, the nonprofit has gifted hundreds of millions of books across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. Every book mailed has brought hope and imagination straight to a child's doorstep, proving that big dreams start with a single story.
I challenge my followers to honor her memory by donating books to Little Free Libraries, schools/teachers, and other nonprofit literacy groups. Sharing a book with a child is one of the best ways to keep Dolly’s kind spirit alive in the world.
