Meet Dolly Parton

If you live in Tennessee, you have probably heard of Dolly Parton. She is one of the most famous people to ever come from our state, and there is so much more to her story than music. Today we are going to read about Dolly and learn about the incredible gift she has given to children all over the world.

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a tiny one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains. She was the fourth of twelve children in her family. Her family did not have much money - they lived without electricity or running water for much of her childhood.

Even as a little girl, Dolly loved music. She started singing in church when she was just six years old. By the time she was ten, she was performing on local radio and television shows. She wrote her first song when she was just seven. Music was her dream, and she never gave up on it.

After graduating from high school in 1964, Dolly moved to Nashville to follow her dream of becoming a country music singer. She became one of the most successful musicians in the world, with hit songs like "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "Coat of Many Colors." She has won awards too many to count and has been making music for over fifty years.

But here is the part of Dolly's story that matters most for today's lesson.

The Imagination Library

Dolly's father, Robert Lee Parton, never learned to read or write. Dolly loved her father deeply, and it bothered her that he could not read a book or even a letter. She wanted to make sure other children would not miss out on the joy of reading.

In 1995, Dolly started the Imagination Library. The idea was simple but powerful: every child from birth to age five could sign up to receive one free book in the mail every single month. That is 60 free books before a child even starts kindergarten!

The program started in Sevier County, Tennessee - Dolly's home county. But it grew and grew. Today, the Imagination Library sends free books to children in all 50 states and in several countries around the world. As of 2024, the program has given away over 200 million books. Two hundred million!

And here is something that makes it extra special for us: Tennessee was the first state where every child in every county could participate. If you have little ones at home, you can sign them up right now. It is completely free.

Why Dolly's Story Matters

Dolly Parton came from a family that had very little, but she worked hard, followed her dreams, and then turned around and gave back to her community in a huge way. She did not just donate money (though she has done plenty of that, too). She built something that changes children's lives by putting books in their hands.

She once said, "When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They deserve a chance to succeed."

Discussion Questions

1. Where was Dolly Parton born? What was her childhood like?
2. Why did Dolly start the Imagination Library?
3. How many books does a child receive from the Imagination Library before kindergarten?
4. Why do you think reading is so important for young children?
5. If you could start a program to help kids, what would it be?
6. Have you ever received a book from the Imagination Library? What was your favorite one?

Draw and Write

Draw a picture of Dolly Parton doing something from her story - singing on stage, mailing books to kids, or growing up in the mountains. Write one sentence about your picture.

Tips for Parents

This is a wonderful lesson for connecting reading to real life and to our Tennessee community. If your child received Imagination Library books, pull some out and revisit them! It is a beautiful full-circle moment. And if you have younger children who are not signed up yet, visit imaginationlibrary.com - it is one of the best free resources out there.