08/25/2026
📚 Remembering Dolly Parton: A Legacy of Literacy
Today, we remember Dolly Parton—not only for the music and stories she gave the world, but for the millions of children she helped introduce to the joy of reading.
In 1995, Dolly created the Imagination Library, inspired by her father, who was unable to read and write. What began as a program serving children in her home county of East Tennessee grew into a worldwide literacy movement.
Dolly once said:
“Inspiring kids to love to read became my mission.”
That mission has reached millions of children, putting books directly into their hands and helping families build a love of reading together.
She also understood something wonderfully simple:
“You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.”
For those of us working in literacy, those words carry tremendous weight.
At RAALP, we see every day how literacy can open doors—to opportunity, confidence, independence, stronger families, and a greater connection to the community.
Dolly's legacy reminds us that literacy isn't simply about learning to read words. It's about giving people the opportunity to imagine what their lives can become.
Her songs will continue to be sung. Her stories will continue to be told. And because of the Imagination Library, millions of children will continue opening books and discovering new worlds.
Thank you, Dolly, for making literacy part of your life's mission—and for reminding us all just how powerful a book can be. 📚❤️
From all of us at the Rio Arriba Adult Literacy Program, thank you.
