Dolly Parton Expands Popular Children’s Program
By Movieguide® Contributor
Dolly Parton has expanded her Imagination Library program to include children in California.
Parton started her Imagination Library program in 1995, sending books to families across the country for free. Since its launch, Imagination Library has sent out over 200 million books across the country.
The country star started the Imagination Library as a tribute to her father, who couldn’t read or write.
“That hindered him a great deal because he was so smart. It really bothered him a lot,” Parton explained. “My dad was so proud when the kids would get the books. He just was prouder of that than probably my great success in show business.”
Part of the program’s expansion is gifting books each month to all children under the age of five in California. It will also be the first state that will provide books in both English and Spanish.
“Today is an amazing milestone for children and families across the state!” Parton said in a statement about the initiative.
Governor Gavin Newsom echoed her comments, saying, “Dolly Parton unites us through her music — and through her commitment to helping all kids develop a love for reading.”
Newsom shared that the expansion will be complete in the next five years, meaning more than 2.4 million children will be eligible to receive the monthly books.
“We still have a lot of work to do, but together we can inspire a love of reading in children across California that will last a lifetime,” Parton said.
Movieguide® previously reported on Parton’s work with the Imagination Library:
Dolly Parton is one of the world’s most beloved musical icons, creating country songs that have become huge hits, starring in movies, and helping thousands through her humanitarian efforts.
Her achievements in music, movies, and television are nothing compared to her impressive charity work over the years. Her literacy program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, provides books to almost 850,000 children around the world each year. In 2018, the Imagination Library donated its 100 millionth book.
- Content: +1Share:
- Content: +2