There are many ways the world will remember Dolly Parton.
For her story telling and songs, her personality, and her generosity.
At Reading Horizons, we remember and appreciate Dolly as a literacy champion who put books and opportunity into the hands of over 200 million children.
As we join so many others in remembering Dolly, we simply want to say, we appreciate how she believed every child deserves books of their own and that she continually reminded the world that literacy can change a life.
The Story Behind Dolly’s Imagination Library
The story behind Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is as inspirational as they come.
Dolly’s father never had the opportunity to learn to read or write. He went to work instead of school.
Dolly saw how deeply it affected him. So, she created the Imagination Library in his honor, to give children in her home county a book every month from birth until they started school. What began close to home grew into something incredible. Over time, she and her team provided more than 200 million books to children around the world.
Our work may take a different form than Dolly’s, but it is grounded in the same fundamental belief: every child deserves the chance to read and everything that becomes possible because they can.
Help Continue Dolly’s Legacy
To everyone who loves her, we offer our deepest condolences and gratitude.
And to Dolly:
Thank you for the books.
Thank you for believing in the power of reading.
Thank you for giving so many children the gift of literacy.
Your songs will continue to be sung. And because of you, millions of children will have a brighter future.
We believe that literacy is more than the ability to read words on a page. It opens doors to learning, independence, confidence, and opportunity.
In Dolly’s memory, consider supporting Imagination Library and its work to inspire a love of reading by gifting books to children around the world. Give the Gift of Reading at Imagination Library.
With gratitude,
The Reading Horizons Team
