First launched in Sevier County, Tennessee, in 1995, the initiative now ships more than three million free, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth until age five. To commemorate the milestone, a coalition of partners including Belmont University and The Walt Disney Company contributed a joint $1 million donation to support ongoing early learning efforts. The gift was unveiled alongside a televised musical tribute that celebrated the legendary singer's enduring cultural and philanthropic legacy.
Key points
Parton created the reading initiative in 1995 to honor her father, who was unable to read…: Parton created the reading initiative in 1995 to honor her father, who was unable to read or write.
The major financial contribution coincided with a national television special honouring t…: The major financial contribution coincided with a national television special honouring the country music icon's career.
The Dollywood Foundation leadership noted that the newly announced funding represents an…: The Dollywood Foundation leadership noted that the newly announced funding represents an investment in the dreams of future generations.
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Country music legend
Dolly Parton’s initiative to encourage children to read has reached an extraordinary milestone, with her Imagination Library having gifted more than 300 million free books to children since its launch in 1995. Adding to the celebration, the Country Music Association (CMA), Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) have come together to contribute a combined $1 million towards the programme.
The announcement followed the star-studded television special, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, which honoured the singer's remarkable musical journey and her contribution to generations of fans. While the evening celebrated her legacy as a performer and songwriter, the donation highlighted another side of Parton's life: her commitment to childhood literacy and education.
Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 inspired by her father
The story behind the Imagination Library is deeply personal. Parton was inspired to start the initiative by her father, who was unable to read or write. Wanting to ensure that children had access to books from an early age,…
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