'Most Important Thing I've Done': Inside Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Dedicated to Her Dad

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will continue sending free books to eligible children after the country music icon's death, preserving the literacy programme she created in memory of her father.

Parton died peacefully in Nashville on 25 August at 80, according to an official family statement. Her death prompted tributes worldwide, but the charity she regarded as one of her proudest achievements has made clear that its work will continue.

Inside Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee, where she was born and raised. The programme was inspired by her father's inability to read and write and her determination to help children develop a love of books.

Parton's father, Robert Lee Parton Sr, died in 2000, but his influence remained central to the programme.

In a letter published by the Imagination Library, she recalled: 'Before he passed away, my Daddy told me the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done.'

She explained that she created the programme as a tribute to him, with his struggles with literacy helping shape her mission to encourage children to discover the joy of reading.

The initiative provides a free, age-appropriate book every month to registered children from birth until their fifth birthday, regardless of their family's income. The books are personalised and delivered directly to children's homes.

What began as a local initiative has since grown into a global childhood literacy programme operating across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.

In 2025, the Imagination Library marked more than 300 million books gifted since its launch, with more than 3.4 million books being distributed each month.

Dolly Parton Passed Away at 80

Parton died after a brief battle with cancer at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, where she was surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement from her representatives. The type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed.

Her death came days after she was hospitalised on 21 August. Reports said she had been dealing with kidney and autoimmune complications before her final hospitalisation.

Her family said a small, private service would be held for immediate family members and encouraged fans wishing to honour her memory to leave messages or support the Imagination Library.

Parton was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean, her mother, Avie Lee Caroline Owens, and her father, Robert Lee Parton Sr.

Library Says Work Becomes More 'Meaningful'

Following Parton's death, the Imagination Library said its team and partners were 'heartbroken' but determined to continue her work.

'For decades, Dolly and the team at The Dollywood Foundation worked to build something that would last for generations. So it will,' the organisation said in a statement.

The charity added: 'The work ahead has never felt more meaningful.'

A Dollywood Company spokesperson confirmed that the Imagination Library will continue sending free books to eligible children despite Parton's death.

How To Be Part of Imagination Library

Families can check whether the programme is available in their area through the Imagination Library website. Local community partners fund and deliver the books, so participating families pay nothing.

Parents or guardians can enter their location using the online availability checker and register an eligible child where the programme operates.

For children enrolled in the scheme, one free book arrives each month until their fifth birthday, ensuring Parton's literacy legacy continues to reach new generations.