I grew up in West Virginia, and Dolly Parton grew up not far away in Tennessee. Country music was big for both of us where we grew up. Dolly’s songs and voice will forever make me smile.
But there is more. Much more.
DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five, through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Republic of Ireland.
Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts millions of free books each month to children around the world.
“When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer.
The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”
In 1995, Dolly Parton launched an exciting new effort, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to benefit the children of her home county in East Tennessee, USA. Dolly’s vision was to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month.
Dolly has gifted over 300,000 books to children. She is my hero.
Here is a blog post from a few years ago, Dolly and Yo-Yo reading:
My two favorite READ posters
from Literary Hub @ lithub.com
Dolly Parton has done more
for putting books into the hands of children
than anyone.
Bless you, Dolly.
Look at the books she is reading!
Every Very Hungry Caterpillar Day
is a good day.
I’m filled with joy.
Yo-Yo Ma is reading Goodnight Moon.
It doesn’t get better than that.
I recite this book to children every day,
just before chapter reading.
It’s a ritual that brings children comfort and language.
Yo-Yo’s beloved cello gets to enjoy the book.
My favorite Dolly Parton movie is Nine to Five.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
As well as her musical talent, she was a genuine, warm-hearted, caring, human being. She is a loss to the world, but her legacy will continue in our hearts and minds.
Best wishes, Pete.
She really was, Pete. Such a great loss.
Thanks for this wonderful tribute to a very special person. So many talk about her music, which is amazing, but to me it’s her kind heart and her dedication to reading and getting books into kid’s hands that makes her so incredibly special. May she rest in peace. ❤️❤️
I feel the same way, Darlene. It’s the books for children where she made the greatest impact.
A wonderful woman, such a sad loss.
Yes indeedd.
Ooops, indeed.
A remarkable soul. Such a loss for the world.
Such a special woman ❤️