MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey is honoring the life and legacy of Dolly Parton while pledging Alabama will continue the country music legend’s work of putting books into the hands of young children.
Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80.
According to the Governor’s Office, Ivey said Parton’s impact went far beyond her music and entertainment career.
“Dolly Parton was a true American treasure. While the world knew and loved her for her remarkable talent, her greatest legacy may very well be the countless lives she changed through her generosity and her belief in the potential of every child,” Ivey said. “Dolly understood that putting a book in the hands of a young child can open a world of possibilities, and through her Imagination Library, she made sure millions of children had that opportunity.”
Ivey launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Alabama statewide in 2023. The program provides free, age-appropriate books each month to Alabama children from birth to age 5.
“Here in Alabama, today, 116,000 Alabama children receive a free book in the mail each month through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Alabama, and more than 3 million books have been mailed to children across our state since we launched the statewide program,” Ivey said. “That is an extraordinary legacy, and one that will continue to make a difference in the lives of Alabama children for generations to come.”
The program now serves children in all 67 Alabama counties. It is administered by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education in partnership with local organizations.
“I join Alabamians in celebrating Dolly’s remarkable life and extend my prayers to her family, friends and the millions of people around the world who loved her. Alabama will proudly continue the work she began, helping our youngest learners develop a love of reading and reminding every child that their dreams are worth dreaming.”
The program is designed to build early literacy skills while encouraging parents and caregivers to read with their children.
“Dolly Parton gave us more than a book program. She gave us a mission rooted in the simple, but powerful belief that every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn and dream,” Ivey said. “Alabama is honored to be part of that legacy, and we will continue putting books into the hands and homes of our children.”
Alabama families will also soon have another way to support the program. A specialty license plate benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has received enough pre-commitments to move into production and is expected to become available within eight to 12 weeks.
Proceeds from each plate will remain in the county where it is registered to help provide monthly books to local children enrolled in the program.
Eligible families can enroll children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
