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SHOCKING: The imagination library - You Need To See This

How Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is helping kids start reading when they’re very young

By the time Dolly Parton died on Aug. 25, 2026, her Imagination Library had gifted more than 332 million children’s books to babies and kids in all 50 states and four other countries: Canada, the U.K., Australia and Ireland.

The Conversation · Oct 2

Commemorative Dolly Parton plaque set for Scottish library

A COMMEMORATIVE plaque will be installed at Paisley Central Library to pay tribute to Dolly Parton and the work of her Imagination Library ...

The National (Scotland) · Sep 29

Dolly Parton Day 2026: Why September 25 was chosen to honour the country icon, the '9 to 5' connection and how fans are marking the occasion

September 25 has been designated as Dolly Parton Day, celebrating her humanitarian work and musical legacy. The day includes various community events focused on literacy and kindness in her honor. Across various cities, individuals are encouraged to engage in activities related to literacy and support local initiatives. The Dollywood Foundation…

The Economic Times · Sep 25

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Dolly Parton’s charity announces annual fundraising event in memory of country music icon

Parton passed away last month at the age of 80 following a battle with cancer

The Independent UK · Sep 14

Dolly Parton’s charity honours her with annual fundraising Give Like Dolly Day

The inaugural event comes a month after the singer, known for 9 to 5, Jolene and I Will Always Love You, died aged 80.

Evening Standard · Sep 14

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 · Sep 3

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 · Aug 29

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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 · Aug 29

‘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 · Aug 29

'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 · Aug 27

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 · Aug 27

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...

Saving Advice · Aug 27

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 · Aug 26

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 · Aug 26

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Euronews · Aug 26

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...

The Economic Times · Aug 26

“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 Independent UK · Aug 26

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

International Business Times UK · Aug 26

'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.

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The Guardian - AU · Aug 26

‘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 Conversation · Aug 26

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 · Aug 26

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 · Aug 26

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 · Aug 25

'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.

International Business Times UK · Jul 6

'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 · Jul 4

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.

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