- Dolly Parton died at age 80 on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, after a brief battle with cancer.
- Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995, inspired by her father's inability to read and write.
- The program grew to serve families in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Ireland.
- In Central Oregon, the program is administered through the Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon/Better Together.
- 4,650 children are currently enrolled across Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
- More than 4,000 children have graduated from the program during that time, bringing the total number of Central Oregon families served to nearly 9,000.
- Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, thousands of children across Central Oregon have received free books and an early introduction to reading, creating a legacy that local leaders say will continue for generations.
- The program provides free books each month to children from birth through age 5 through funding shared by the Dolly Parton Foundation and local community partners.
- The Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon helps fund the local Imagination Library program through community partnerships and sponsors.
- The organization is seeking additional sponsors to help sustain the program in the years ahead.
Dolly Parton, who passed away at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, was not only a music legend but also a champion for literacy through her Imagination Library.12
"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones," her publicist stated.
Launched in 1995, the Imagination Library was inspired by Parton's father's struggles with literacy. It has since evolved into an international program, providing free books to children from birth to age 5. In Central Oregon alone, 4,650 children are currently enrolled, with nearly 9,000 families served since its inception.56
Local leaders emphasize the program's importance, noting, "We also know that there are many households in central Oregon where they don't have a single book," said Dunkelberg.
The program, administered through the Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon, aims to foster a love for reading among children.10
Parton's musical career was marked by hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You", which have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Her influence extended beyond music, as she became a feminist icon for her business acumen and independence in a male-dominated industry.
Parton's legacy will continue through her philanthropic efforts, particularly in literacy, ensuring that her impact will be felt for generations to come.
“The Imagination Library, launched in 1995, has provided free books to children from birth to age 5, with 4,650 currently enrolled in Central Oregon. Leaders like Dailey emphasize that the program turns books from a luxury into a birthright, and they seek additional sponsors to sustain it.”
KTVZ
