How 'Book Queen' Dolly Parton inspired millions of children with gift of reading

Dolly Parton, the iconic singer and philanthropist, has inspired millions of children worldwide through her literacy program, Imagination Library. Born in the Appalachian Mountains, Parton's father never had the chance to finish school or learn to read and write, which deeply affected her mission to inspire kids to love reading.

In 1995, Parton launched Imagination Library to provide free books to children from birth to age five, starting in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee. The program has since expanded to multiple countries, including Australia, the UK, and Ireland, distributing over 300 million books by 2025.

The impact of Imagination Library is evident in families' lives. In London, mother Harriet Anscombe credits the program for establishing a reading routine with her daughter since three months old. In Colorado, Ciara Fernandez Faber's son loved Parton's book "I Am A Rainbow" so much that he always pointed to the author's picture, calling her "The Book Queen."

In Ireland, Helen Cashell's children benefited from the program's diverse themes, addressing topics such as same-sex families and courage. Even in Australia, first-time mum Paige Stewart noticed significant progress in her speech-delayed children's reading skills after just the second book.

Imagination Library has also helped promote diverse authors and themes, ensuring that families receive books tailored to their unique circumstances. Author Selina Brown's book "My Rice Is Best" has been widely distributed through the program, reaching 14,000 copies in the UK alone. The program's accessibility and impact have made it a valuable resource for families, with many advocating for it and incorporating it into their routines and baby gifts.

Dolly Parton's legacy through Imagination Library continues to inspire children, families, and communities around the world.