Tennessee Leaders Pledge to Fund Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Using State Money
State leaders say the move will replace mixed public and private support and help expand early literacy for children statewide.
- On Wednesday, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Chairman Bo Watson announced the state will fully fund Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, with the investment included in the 2027 budget.
- Parton created the library in Sevier County in 2004, and the program has delivered over 304 million books while expanding to all 50 states over more than 20 years.
- Nearly 70% of children in the state are enrolled to receive books monthly, supported by the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation managing literacy resources for birth through third grade.
- GELF President and CEO James Pond praised the proposal as a "powerful commitment" to Parton's legacy, noting it strengthens efforts to help children read and thrive.
- The investment still requires passage through Tennessee's state budget process before becoming official, though leaders intend it to sustain the program for generations.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Tennessee Pledges Full State Funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Speaker Sexton, Chairman Watson Pledge Full State Funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) announced that he and Chairman Bo Watson (R-Hixson) have pledged for the state to fund 100% of the local cost of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as part of Tennessee’s 2027 budget. Dolly Parton’s commitment to early […] The post Tennessee Pledges Full State Funding for Dolly Parton’s Imaginatio…
Tennessee's 2027 budget will cover Dolly Parton Imagination Library costs statewide
Tennessee continues to celebrate Dolly Parton’s legacy by covering all costs for her Imagination Library in 2027.Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Chairman Bo Watson say the state will cover local costs statewide.The funds will be included in the state’s 2027 budget.
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