Gov. Kay Ivey remembers how Dolly Parton helped Alabama children through Imagination Library

FILE – Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton speaks at an event where her organization, Imagination Library, donates the 100 millionth book, Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors,” to the Library of Congress collection, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) – Gov. Kay Ivey is pausing to remember Dolly Parton, not just through her music and entertainment ventures, but how she helped countless Alabama children through her Imagination Library.

Gov. Ivey launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Alabama statewide in 2023 to provide free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to Alabama children from birth to age five. The program is administered by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education in partnership with local organizations across the state.

“Dolly Parton was a true American treasure. While the world knew and loved her for her remarkable talent, her greatest legacy may very well be the countless lives she changed through her generosity and her belief in the potential of every child,” Gov. Ivey said. “Dolly understood that putting a book in the hands of a young child can open a world of possibilities, and through her Imagination Library, she made sure millions of children had that opportunity.

“Here in Alabama, today, 116,000 Alabama children receive a free book in the mail each month through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Alabama, and more than three million books have been mailed to children across our state since we launched the statewide program,” continued Governor Ivey. “That is an extraordinary legacy, and one that will continue to make a difference in the lives of Alabama children for generations to come.”

Since its statewide launch, the program has grown to serving children in all 67 counties.

“I join Alabamians in celebrating Dolly’s remarkable life and extend my prayers to her family, friends and the millions of people around the world who loved her. Alabama will proudly continue the work she began, helping our youngest learners develop a love of reading and reminding every child that their dreams are worth dreaming.”

Parents and families can enroll eligible children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Alabama by visiting imaginationlibrary.com.

Alabama families will soon have another way to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and continue Dolly’s legacy in their own communities. The program’s specialty license plate has officially received enough pre-commitments to move into production and is expected to be available within the next 8–12 weeks. Proceeds from each plate will stay in the county where it is registered, helping provide monthly books to children enrolled in the program locally.

— Information from the Office of Governor Kay Ivey