Special to the News
Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday joined Alabamians and people across the country in mourning the passing of Dolly Parton, whose extraordinary life and legacy touched generations through her music, generosity and unwavering commitment to children and families.
“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,” said Gov. Ivey. “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.”
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.
“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 3 million books have been mailed to children across our state since we launched the statewide program,” continued 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, with more than 3 million books mailed directly to their homes.
“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,” Ivey said. “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.”
By providing children with books during their earliest years, the program helps families build strong early literacy foundations, encourages parents and caregivers to read together with their children and supports Alabama’s continued commitment to giving every child a strong start.
“Dolly Parton gave us more than a book program. She gave us a mission rooted in the simple, but powerful belief that every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn and dream,” Ivey added. “Alabama is honored to be part of that legacy, and we will continue putting books into the hands and homes of our children.”
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.
