Dolly Parton Expands Imagination Library Initiative

Dolly Parton has been dedicated to improving literacy through her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children under five in 21 states, including Missouri and Kentucky. Celebrating the program's impact, she recently visited these states, sharing her father's story of struggle with literacy as her inspiration. Since its inception in 1995, the initiative has mailed over 240 million books, reaching more than 3 million children monthly. Missouri fully funds the program, which cost $11 million in the latest fiscal year, while other states contribute through a cost-sharing model. Parton aims to expand the program nationwide, reflecting her commitment to honoring her father's legacy by fostering a love for reading among children. Her efforts have not only changed lives but also brought her personal fulfillment, earning her the affectionate title of the 'book lady' among kids.