For children in different corners of the world, Dolly Parton was known by many affectionate names, from “The Book Queen” to “Ms Dolly”. Her death at the age of 80 has brought renewed attention to one of the country music icon’s most enduring legacies – giving children free access to books.
Through her Dolly Parton Imagination Library, children from birth to five years old receive a new book every month at no cost to their families. What began as a small literacy initiative in her native Tennessee has grown into an international programme reaching more than three million children.
Parton established the initiative in 1995 in memory of her father, who grew up in Appalachia and never had the opportunity to complete his education or learn to read and write.
She later explained that his inability to read may have prevented him from achieving some of his dreams, inspiring her to make encouraging children to love reading her own mission.
The programme initially operated in Sevier County, Tennessee, where Parton was raised, before expanding throughout the United States and eventually overseas. It reached Canada in 2006, the United Kingdom in 2007, Australia in 2013 and Ireland in 2019.
By 2025, marking its 30th anniversary, the Imagination Library had distributed more than 300 million books worldwide – equivalent to a book being posted every 78 seconds, according to the organisation.
For families who have benefited from the scheme, however, its impact goes far beyond the number of books delivered.
London mother Harriet Anscombe enrolled her daughter when she was just three months old. She said receiving books so early helped establish bedtime reading as a regular part of their family routine, with her daughter growing up hardly knowing a time without storybooks.
In Colorado, Ciara Fernandez Faber said her son became so familiar with Parton’s books that he affectionately referred to the singer as “the Book Queen”.
One of his favourites was I Am A Rainbow, a book written by Parton that explores emotions. Faber said the family regularly read it together and used the story to discuss different feelings.
Parents have also praised the programme for introducing children to subjects beyond basic literacy, including courage, bullying, different family structures and identity.
Dublin mother Helen Cashell said the books had helped her children encounter themes that could assist families in discussing difficult or important issues.
The initiative has also created opportunities for children’s authors. Selina Brown, whose book My Rice Is Best was selected for the programme, said about 14,000 copies were sent to children in the UK.
She highlighted the difference free books can make for families facing difficult financial choices, saying parents should not have to choose between essential household needs and giving their children access to books.
In Sydney, Australia, Paige Stewart saw a particularly meaningful change in her twin daughters, who had speech delays and learning difficulties. She said the girls began showing progress after receiving a book about colours, with one of them eventually saying “orange” as her first word.
The experience turned Stewart into a strong supporter of the programme, which she said had helped spark both communication and a love of books.
In Alabama, grandmother Kristina Hadley has gone a step further by recommending the Imagination Library to new parents and incorporating information about the scheme into baby gifts.
Her granddaughter, Eillie Elaine, was signed up before she was born and now has an entire shelf dedicated to her “Dolly books”. The toddler even looks forward to checking the mailbox and asks whether “Ms Dolly” has sent another book.
For many families, the programme has therefore become more than a literacy service. It has created regular moments for parents, grandparents and children to read together, while giving youngsters opportunities to explore new ideas and develop their imaginations.
Canadian grandfather Geoff Blacklin said Parton’s contribution extended beyond simply sending books, describing the initiative as a way of giving children a love of reading and opportunities to learn and dream.
Parton herself regarded the programme as a deeply personal tribute to her father. What began with the modest goal of helping children in her home county eventually became a worldwide effort providing books each month to millions of young readers.
Before his death, Parton said her father had told her the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing she had ever done.
That sentiment now forms a powerful part of her legacy, as children around the world continue receiving books bearing the name of the woman many came to know simply as “Ms Dolly”.
