Parton Expands Imagination Library Globally

Dolly Parton has been actively expanding her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children from birth to age five, inspired by her father's inability to read. The program, which started in 1995 in Tennessee, has now reached 21 states and several countries, including the UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. Parton recently celebrated the statewide expansion of the program in Kentucky and Missouri, with over 240 million books distributed worldwide. The initiative aims to foster a love for reading among children, and has been well-received by families and educators. Parton emphasized the emotional impact on her father and the pride he felt in her literary contributions. Local events and press conferences continue to promote the program's benefits and encourage more families to enroll.