Dolly Parton's book gifting programme tops 300m free books for children

Country music legend Dolly Parton’s initiative to encourage children to read has reached an extraordinary milestone, with her Imagination Library having gifted more than 300 million free books to children since its launch in 1995. Adding to the celebration, the Country Music Association (CMA), Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) have come together to contribute a combined $1 million towards the programme. The announcement followed the star-studded television special, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, which honoured the singer's remarkable musical journey and her contribution to generations of fans. While the evening celebrated her legacy as a performer and songwriter, the donation highlighted another side of Parton's life: her commitment to childhood literacy and education. Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 inspired by her father The story behind the Imagination Library is deeply personal. Parton was inspired to start the initiative by her father, who was unable to read or write. Wanting to ensure that children had access to books from an early age, she launched the programme in her home county of Sevier, Tennessee, in 1995. What began as a local initiative soon grew into an international book-gifting programme. Its central idea remains simple: give young children access to books and encourage them to develop a love for reading before they begin school. Today, the Imagination Library operates across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. It has gifted more than 300 million books since its inception and mails over three million age-appropriate books to children every month. Under the programme, every enrolled child receives one book every month from birth until the age of five, completely free of cost to their families. Disney, CMA and partners contribute $1 million to Dolly Parton's initiative Disney, CMA, Belmont University and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp have collectively contributed $1 million to the initiative. (Photo: CMA) The latest $1 million contribution brings together four organisations that joined hands to celebrate Parton's legacy. The Country Music Association, Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp collectively announced the donation following the television tribute. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said the event was designed to bring people together, much like Parton's music has done over the years. She highlighted how the performances and support from partners had helped turn a celebration of the singer into a meaningful contribution towards children's literacy. CMA incoming CEO Brittany Schaffer also acknowledged Parton's influence through her music, philanthropy and generosity, adding that the initiative would help carry her legacy forward for future generations. Belmont University President Dr Greg Jones said that a love of learning could open doors and shape the future of young people. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Parton's life while helping put more books into children's hands. Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp President and CEO Deana Ivey also spoke about the singer's connection with the city, describing her as one of Music City's greatest ambassadors. She said the organisation was proud to support a cause that remained close to Parton's heart. Jeff Conyers, President and Vice Chair of The Dollywood Foundation, said the donation was a meaningful way to celebrate Parton's life by investing in the dreams of future generations. A star-studded musical tribute celebrates Dolly Parton's legacy The fundraising announcement followed CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, a special featuring several prominent country music artists performing some of her most memorable songs. The performances included Ella Langley singing Jolene, Kelsea Ballerini performing Here You Come Again, Ashley McBryde taking on Coat of Many Colors and Darius Rucker performing Two Doors Down. Other highlights included Lady A performing Islands in the Stream, Carly Pearce and Kristin Chenoweth joining forces for 9 to 5, and Little Big Town performing Light of a Clear Blue Morning. Carrie Underwood led the full cast in a performance of I Will Always Love You, while Zac Brown presented Butterfly in a vocal duet with Dolly Parton. The television special is now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. How Dolly Parton's book programme continues to reach millions of children The Imagination Library is the flagship initiative of The Dollywood Foundation, a non-profit organisation that works with thousands of local programme partners to make the book-gifting model possible. While the foundation manages the partnerships, resources and systems behind the initiative, local partners help create awareness and raise funds to cover the wholesale cost of books and their delivery. This collaborative model has allowed Parton's original dream to reach millions of households across different countries. More than three million books are now mailed every month, giving children an opportunity to build their own home libraries from an early age.