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Arkansas Imagination Library Pledges to Continue Mailing Free Children Books After Dolly Parton's Death
The program mails one free book a month to children under 5, and 74 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties now participate.
- Legendary singer and literacy advocate Dolly Parton died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Spokespeople for the Imagination Library confirmed the book-gifting program will continue operating following her passing.
- Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 in her hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee, as a tribute to her father, who was unable to read or write. The program emerged from her personal mission to ensure all children had access to books.
- The organization has distributed more than 332 million books worldwide since its founding. Eligible children receive one free, age-appropriate book monthly from birth until their fifth birthday, totaling 60 books per child.
- Parton's family requested donations to the Imagination Library in lieu of flowers following her death. The Dollywood Foundation stated her legacy persists "when a child opens a book addressed especially to them."
- Program leaders stated, "We are inspired more than ever to keep this program going in Dolly's legacy." Educators emphasize the work will continue for generations, ensuring millions of children receive books monthly.
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left6Leaning Right2Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Center
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
47% Center
L 40%
C 47%
13%
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