08/26/2026
Today, School Choice Ohio joins millions around the world in remembering and celebrating the extraordinary life of Dolly Parton.
Dolly gave us unforgettable music, but perhaps her greatest legacy will be the millions of children whose lives she touched through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. What began in 1995 as a tribute to her father, who could not read or write, grew into a worldwide movement that has placed more than 300 million books into the hands of children and helped families discover the joy of reading together.
Here in Ohio, her impact is especially meaningful. Dolly’s Imagination Library is available to every Ohio child from birth to age five, regardless of family income, bringing a new book to a child's mailbox every month and opening a world of possibilities with every page.
But Dolly gave children something even greater than books. She gave them an example.
She showed us that success and kindness can go hand in hand. That we can accomplish great things without forgetting where we came from. That serving others is one of the most meaningful things we can do with the gifts we have been given.
And through it all, Dolly reminded us to find joy—to laugh, to dream big, to encourage one another and to leave the world a little brighter than we found it.
At School Choice Ohio, we believe deeply in the potential of every child and in giving children opportunities to learn, grow, dream and discover who they are meant to become. Few people embodied that belief more beautifully than Dolly Parton.
Her songs will continue to be sung. Her books will continue arriving in little mailboxes. Children will continue turning those pages, discovering new worlds and dreaming bigger dreams because she cared enough to give them that opportunity.
Thank you, Dolly, for the music.
Thank you for the books.
Thank you for showing us the power of kindness, service and joy.
Your legacy will live on in millions of children—and in generations of readers still to come. ❤️📚
With gratitude and love,
School Choice Ohio