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UNCOVERED: The imagination library - The Untold Story

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: what its success means for children’s reading

It was sad but strangely fitting that Dolly Parton should have died during the UK’s National Year of Reading, given the way the much-loved country singer used her wealth and influence to promote reading.

The Conversation

Jeff Bezos’ Heartfelt Tribute to Dolly Parton Drew Brutal Backlash: ‘Nobody Wanted to Hear This From You’ — He Once Gave Her $100 Million for Charity

Jeff Bezos’ tribute to Dolly Parton sparked fierce backlash online, but critics overlooked a key detail. In 2022, he gave Parton $100 million to donate to charities of her choice.

Barchart

Dolly Parton Called Her Dad the 'Smartest Man I've Ever Known' Even Though He Couldn't Read—So She Sent 300 Million Free Books to Kids

Dolly Parton called her father the smartest man she knew despite his illiteracy. Inspired by him, she launched a literacy program that has sent more than 330 million books to children.

Barchart

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‘In walked this big bundle of energy’: the day Dolly Parton came to Rotherham

Country star came to South Yorkshire town in 2007 for UK launch of the Imagination Library, her book donation scheme

The Guardian - UK

'She Will Never Be Dolly': Taylor Swift's Dolly Parton Tribute Sparks Wealth Backlash Despite $2M Donation to Her Charity

Taylor Swift's tribute to Dolly Parton has sparked online debate about Swift's philanthropy compared to Parton's legacy, despite Swift's $2 million donation to Parton's Imagination Library.

International Business Times UK

Republicans Quietly Cut Dolly Parton's Reading Programme Months Before Trump Lowered Flags in Her Honour

As Donald Trump ordered flags lowered for Dolly Parton, Republican-led legislatures in Missouri and Indiana had already cut funding for her free children's book program

International Business Times UK

Dolly Parton Built a $450 Million Empire on Songs She Refused to Give Away

Dolly Parton died on Tuesday, August 25th, in Nashville at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, leaving behind one of the largest self-made fortunes...

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King Charles's royal tribute to Dolly Parton celebrates 'most important thing' she ever did throughout her 60 year career

A day after the country music icon passed away in Tennessee the Royal Family have shared a unique video honouring her

Woman & Home

Dolly Parton's Book Programme Was Defunded by Missouri Republicans Months Before Her Death

Missouri's budget cuts have significantly reduced funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, impacting new enrolments and threatening the programme's reach in the state

International Business Times UK

Why are Dolly Parton fans lashing out at Donald Trump?

Donald Trump's order for flags to be lowered at half-mast to honour Dolly Parton has been met with applause. However, some fans are pointing out that Trump's tribute rings a false note, as Parton's literacy initiative is suffering under Republican rule...

Euronews

“My father could not read and write”: How Dolly Parton’s father inspired her global literacy mission that has sent 270 million books to kids across US, UK, Canada

Dolly Parton’s lifelong philanthropy was deeply inspired by her father, who could not read or write. Her personal mission evolved into the Imagination Library, which now operates in thousands of communities across the US, UK, Canada, Ireland and Australia, giving millions of children access to free books.

The Economic Times

Dolly Parton's philanthropy was based on 'her belief in the goodness of people'

Dolly Parton's death is shining a new light on the country music icon's philanthropy

The Independent UK

'Only Dolly Deserves To Be An Angel': Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and J.K. Rowling Called Out by Fans Following Dolly Parton's Death

Dolly Parton's death at 80 has sparked tributes and debates over celebrity involvement, with figures like Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling facing criticism for their public tributes.

International Business Times UK

‘I just give from my heart’: how Dolly Parton’s philanthropy focused most on helping children

Parton put her millions behind causes she believed in – from Covid vaccines to the Imagination Library, which sends children around the world a free book every month

The Guardian - AU

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The Conversation

Dolly Parton’s philanthropic Imagination Library had a proven effect in Australia, and around the world

Dolly Parton had first-hand experience of the effects of limited literacy. Her father could not read or write. He was, she once said,

The Canberra Times

In a quiet corner of the Kippax Library, Dolly Parton was profoundly changing Canberran lives

How 138 families in Belconnen benefit from Dolly Parton's generosity

The Guardian - AU

Tributes pour in after country music legend Dolly Parton dies

Legendary country singer died surrounded by loved ones after being diagnosed with cancer, her team says; Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Dionne Warwick lead tributes

International Business Times UK

'It Wasn't Meant to Be': Inside Dolly Parton's Child-Free Marriage to Husband of 59 Years, Carl Dean

Dolly Parton discusses her decision to remain child-free, highlighting how it allowed her to focus on her career and philanthropy, while maintaining a strong marriage with Carl Dean.

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International Business Times UK

'Can I Have It?': Dolly Parton Leaves Taylor Swift Fans Stunned With Wild 'Firstborn Baby' Request After $2 Million Donation

Dolly Parton's playful request to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce after their $2 million donation to her charity has gone viral, highlighting the donation and the Imagination Library.

The Independent UK

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donate $2 million to Dolly Parton’s charity

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have donated $2 million to Dolly Parton’s charity, the Imagination Library.

The Independent UK

Missouri slashes funding for Dolly Parton’s free book program

The cut is part of Missouri’s 2027 education budget reductions, which also slash funding for programs like Workforce Diploma and Urban Teaching

Evening Standard

Dolly Parton's little known charitable connection to Wandsworth

The Hollywood star’s charitable endeavors reach as far as the UK

Salon

Dolly Parton's library fights defunding

“The beauty of the Imagination Library is that it unites us all, regardless of politics," says Parton's foundation

Salon

How Dolly Parton is championing literacy

"The kids started calling me the 'book lady'"

Evening Standard

Dolly Parton reflects on her legacy and explains why she’s ruling out a biopic for now

As the country music legend prepares to release her debut rock album, she discusses what she wants her lasting legacy to be

People

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