Celebrating the Enduring Legacy of Dolly Parton and Her Imagination Library

Dolly Parton was an iconic figure known to transcend barriers of time, race, class, and gender. Her music continues to impact generations worldwide through timeless songs like Coat of Many Colors, Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and Here You Come Again. As a fan and educator for over 30 years, I recognize Parton’s unique contribution to global education.

In 1995, Parton launched the Imagination Library, honoring her father who couldn’t read or write. This early childhood literacy initiative has given more than 300 million books to children up to age five. Upon completing the program, each child receives 60 books. The Imagination Library operates in the U.S., Ireland, Australia, the UK, and Canada.

Childhood literacy greatly influences school dropout rates and adult incarceration risks. The World Literacy Foundation reports that over 70% of imprisoned adults read below the fourth-grade level. A non-proficient third-grade reader is four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Alarmingly, more than 85% of juveniles in the court system have low literacy skills. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests students in grades four, eight, and 12 biennially. Since 2015, reading scores have decreased in grades four and eight. In 2024, scores dropped two points among fourth and eighth graders since 2022. For 12th graders, scores fell from 285 in 2019 to 283 in 2024.

Despite recent improvements for 9-year-olds, who typically are in fourth grade, reading scores rose four points in 2025 compared with 2022. However, younger students’ reading data is often volatile, with unpredictable gains and losses.

The Imagination Library remains crucial, reflecting Parton’s deep understanding of reading’s lifelong impact. When children read proficiently, they engage in critical thinking, synthesize information, appreciate diverse perspectives, and resolve disagreements peacefully. Reading can expand their experiences and enhance their lives.

In a 2018 event at the Library of Congress, Parton read her book Coat of Many Colors.

Schools strive to enrich students’ lives, but addressing low reading scores is challenging. Reasons include pandemic disruptions, technology distractions, chronic absenteeism, and decreased reading for pleasure. The Imagination Library addresses this by putting books directly into children’s hands, transforming their futures.

Dolly Parton’s impact will endure. Let us honor her by promoting the Imagination Library in every community. “Be not afraid of greatness,” Shakespeare wrote. Parton epitomized all facets of greatness. Let’s continue her legacy.

Jerald McNair is a school administrator in the South Holland School District 151. He holds a doctorate in education and a graduate degree in public policy.