A tribute to Dolly's love with books for kids

WAITSBURG - The iconic musician Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, August 25. She lived an exemplary life of art, love, and generosity. This extraordinary woman's vision changed childhood for millions of kids internationally.

In Eastern Washington, Parton's legacy lives in every book delivered, every story shared, and every child inspired to dream bigger through the Imagination Library of Washington.

She began the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to provide free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family's income.

The program launched in 1995, distributing books to kids in the Tennessee county where Parton grew up. Over 31 years, it has brought over 300,000 books to young readers in five countries. Each month, the program gives over three million books to registered children.

"When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor, or an inventor, or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer," said Parton.

"The seeds of these dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world," the singer said.

"Dolly made a colossal impact on this world, and particularly on our children. We are committed to keeping her legacy alive in Washington State, alongside our local program partners, by ensuring our youngest learners continue to have the opportunity to receive a free Imagination Library book in the mail every month. Dolly's legacy will live through every book delivered, every story shared, and every child inspired to dream bigger," said Brooke Fisher-Clark, Executive Director of the Imagination Library of Washington.