Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is part of a legacy built from Dolly’s childhood, her love for her father and her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and dream.
Dolly Parton was never afraid to dream big.
Born on January 19, 1946, in the mountains of East Tennessee, Dolly grew up as the fourth of 12 children in a family with little money but no shortage of love, music, faith and determination. From those humble beginnings, Dolly became one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world. She was a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist whose career spanned generations.
But Dolly’s legacy reaches far beyond the stage.
The Father Behind Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
One of the most meaningful parts of Dolly’s story begins with her father, Robert Lee “Lee” Parton.
Lee was a hardworking man who helped provide for his large family. Dolly often spoke about how intelligent her father was, while also sharing that he never had the opportunity to learn to read or write. Growing up, she saw firsthand how his lack of literacy affected him. That experience stayed with her.
In 1995, she launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee. The idea was simple: give young children books at no cost and help them develop a love of reading before they even entered school. Her father’s inability to read and write inspired the program.
And Dolly made sure her father was part of that journey.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library: A Global Legacy
What began as a personal mission in one Tennessee county eventually grew into something much bigger.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library now reaches children across the United States and several other countries, providing free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth through age five. What started as a small early literacy program has grown into a global effort to put books into the hands of young children. The program has gifted hundreds of millions of books and continues to send millions of books to children each month.
The impact isn’t simply measured in books:
It can be found in a child discovering a new word, asking a new question or imagining a world beyond what they already know. And it can be found in communities where access to books and early learning opportunities can help give children a stronger start.
Her Legacy Lives Here, Too
Here in Cumberland County, her legacy now touches the lives of local children and families through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This early childhood literacy program has made a meaningful difference for families in our community.
The program has impacted more than 50,000 local children under the age of 5.
At Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, we are honored to be part of that work.
For us, the Imagination Library represents something at the heart of what we believe: every child deserves opportunities to learn, grow, imagine and succeed.
A Life Built on Giving Back
Dolly’s philanthropy was never limited to one cause. Throughout her life, she supported education, children’s health, disaster relief, literacy and communities in need. Her generosity reflected something she often spoke about: when you have the ability to help someone, you should help.
Perhaps that is what makes her legacy so powerful.
Dolly never forgot where she came from.
Her voice may no longer fill a concert hall, but her words will continue to live in her music. Her stories will continue to be told. Through those books, she gave children something much bigger.
A reason to dream.
A chance to imagine.
An opportunity to learn .
And a reminder that their future can be bigger than they ever imagined.
Tribute and Donation Request
In lieu of flowers, Dolly’s family has requested that contributions be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Donating via this link “in memory of Dolly” will designate your donations in support of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Thank you, Dolly, and we will always love you…
