Dolly Parton has always been passionate about fostering literacy, which is why she established the Imagination Library in 1995. The program “mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, no matter their family’s income.”
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Parton felt inspired to create the Imagination Library as a tribute to her father, who was illiterate.
“He was the smartest man I have ever known but I know in my heart his inability to read probably kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams,” reads a letter Parton shared on the Imagination Library website.
Before her father passed away, he let Parton know that he felt the Imagination Library was her greatest accomplishment in life. “I can’t tell you how much that meant to me...” Parton said.
The Imagination Library has come a long way, having sent out millions of books in its 25-year history. In February 2020, the Library announced it has donated a total of 133,899,247 books since its inception.
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Now, with children out of school due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they need different forms of education and entertainment. So Parton is jumping in to give them just that.
On Monday (March 30), Parton announced she will now be hosting a weekly, online story time session for children called “Goodnight with Dolly.” Starting April 2 and continuing every Thursday, Parton will share a video of herself reading bedtime stories from the Imagination Library.
Calling herself “the book lady,” Parton addressed her fans, young and old, in a video message.
“I want you to join me April 2 when I start ‘Goodnight with Dolly.’ I’m going to be reading some stories from the Imagination Library,” she said.
You can watch Parton’s video message below.
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Those who want to tune in to “Goodnight with Dolly” can do so by joining the Facebook event for her story time session here.
We think this is such a kind-hearted gesture on Parton’s part! We can’t wait to listen to her share some of her favorite stories from the Imagination Library.
Tune in to the video below to watch Parton read the book “Coat of Many Colors” (inspired by her song of the same name) to a group of children in 2017.
After that, be sure to check out the second video, which offers some useful tips concerning the proper way to sanitize and store groceries/takeout food in order to decrease your chances of contracting COVID-19.