Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Could Be Fully Funded by Tennessee’s 2027 State Budget
Imagination Library has gifted more than 300 million books to children since it launched in 1995.
Tennessee’s House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Chairman Bo Watson have committed to funding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as part of the state’s 2027 budget. This move would cover the local costs typically shouldered by counties, ensuring 100% state funding from next year onwards. Since its inception in 1995, the program has distributed over 300 million books to nearly 3 million children worldwide, with 70% of Tennessee's children enrolled as of 2025.
Sexton and Watson emphasized the program's significance, stating it's one of Tennessee’s greatest gifts to future generations and a testament to Parton’s legacy. The Imagination Library was conceived by Parton's father, who saw it as a tribute to her late father, acknowledging the importance of literacy and its potential to unlock dreams.
The program operates through a public-private partnership involving Dollywood Foundation, Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, the State of Tennessee, and local partners in all 95 Tennessee counties.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
