Remembering Dolly Parton

As we mourn the death of Dolly Parton, Rotarians worldwide remember not only an extraordinary artist and philanthropist, but a woman whose enduring commitment to children and literacy has changed millions of lives.

September is Rotary’s ‘Basic Education and Literacy’ month - a particularly fitting time to reflect on Dolly’s remarkable legacy through her ‘Imagination Library’.

Dolly Parton founded the ‘Imagination Library’ which introduced many young people into the world of literacy. She collaborated with Rotary in this and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition at the Rotary International convention in Montreal in 2010.

 Since 2009, Rotary clubs have partnered with the ‘Imagination Library’ to promote early childhood reading and bring books into the homes of children across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Through these partnerships, Rotary has helped bring the joy of reading to children in more than 300 communities.

Launched in 1995, Dolly Parton’s ‘Imagination Library’ was inspired by her father, who was unable to read or write. Her vision was simple yet profound: give children books, encourage a love of reading and learning and ensure that every child has the opportunity to build a library of their own.

Children enrolled in the programme receive a carefully selected, age-appropriate book every month from birth until their fifth birthday - completely free to families.

The impact has been extraordinary. Since its inception, the ‘Imagination Library’ has gifted more than 300 million free books to children around the world.

Dolly understood that literacy is about far more than learning to read. Books give children imagination, confidence, opportunity and hope.

As Rotarians, we are proud to have shared in her vision and to have helped bring that vision to communities large and small.

This September, as we celebrate Rotary’s commitment to Basic Education and Literacy, we also celebrate Dolly’s extraordinary contribution to that cause. Asked how Rotary supported her work, she said “Rotary has been a wonderful partner. It has helped us in all kinds of ways – getting the word out, funding the effort and finding others to help fund it. Also registering lots of kids.”

When asked to comment on what the legacy of the ‘Imagination Library’ might be, Dolly said “My hope is simple, that no child will ever have to grow up without books. Our partnership with Rotary is just beginning so, I’m sure as we grow closer, our dreams will grow.” 

Her music brought joy to generations. Her generosity opened doors for millions of children and the books she helped place in their hands will continue to inspire young minds for generations to come.

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

We can only thank Dolly for believing in the power of a book and the limitless imagination of a child. 

Dolly Parton’s ‘Imagination Library’ is a Collaborating Organization with Rotary International and our goal is to increase the number of local Rotary Clubs who collaborate to help bring the ‘Imagination Library’ to their communities.