Sevierville, TN – Before Dolly Parton became a global country music legend, she was the daughter of a hardworking man with a secret shame that would shape her future in ways no one could have imagined. Her father, Robert Lee Parton, couldn’t read or write. This painful reality, hidden in silence, fueled Dolly’s drive to create one of the most transformative literacy initiatives in the world: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
A Father’s Struggle Sparks a Vision
Growing up, Dolly watched her father, a man of immense intelligence and wisdom, struggle in a world where literacy was key to success. Despite his many strengths, Robert Parton felt crippled by his inability to read or write, a burden that weighed heavily on him. Dolly often recalls the heartbreak of seeing her father’s struggle, knowing that his potential was limited by something so fundamental. “My Daddy was so smart but he felt crippled with the fact that he couldn’t read and write,” she’s said.
It was this emotional experience, watching her father’s pride be tarnished by an inability he couldn’t overcome, that sparked the idea that would change countless lives. Dolly vowed that no child should face the same struggles as her father had. She was determined to ensure that children, no matter their background, would have the opportunity to develop a love for reading and to break the cycle of illiteracy.
The Birth of the Imagination Library
In 1995, Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in Sevier County, Tennessee, as a tribute to her father’s memory. The program’s goal was simple yet powerful: to provide a free, age-appropriate book each month to every child registered in the program, from birth until their fifth birthday. Parton wanted to give children the gift of reading from a young age, so they could experience the world of stories and knowledge that her father had never known.
In Parton’s own words: “I created the Imagination Library as a tribute to my Daddy.” Her father, Robert, who had spent years quietly enduring the shame of his illiteracy, passed away before the program had fully grown, but not before seeing its early success. Dolly recalls him telling her, “The Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done.”
The community responded with overwhelming support, and soon, local children affectionately called Dolly “the Book Lady.” It wasn’t just about giving away books—it was about opening doors to a better future and helping children feel empowered through the gift of literacy.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact
What started as a local initiative in the hills of East Tennessee has blossomed into a global movement. By June 2025, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library had mailed over 284 million books to children across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. Every month, over 3 million books are sent to children, giving them access to the tools they need to develop literacy skills and a love of reading.
The program’s success is a direct reflection of Dolly’s unwavering dedication to the cause. It’s more than just a philanthropic effort; it’s a living tribute to her father and a powerful reminder of the lasting impact one person can have on the world. Through the Imagination Library, Dolly Parton has turned her father’s quiet struggle into a force for good, one book at a time.
A Legacy of Love and Learning
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become a shining example of how love, empathy, and the desire to make a difference can create lasting change. What began as a deeply personal mission to honor her father’s memory has grown into a legacy of hope and opportunity for millions of children around the world. Through the Imagination Library, Dolly has not only transformed the lives of countless children, but she has also created a global movement that proves the power of stories and education to shape a better future.
Her work is a testament to the profound impact that one person’s determination can have on the world. And, as Dolly herself has said, “I believe that books have the power to change the world.” With each book sent, the Imagination Library continues to prove that belief true, empowering children and families with the joy of reading and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
