Dollywood Foundation: Imagination Library to continue
Tue, 09/01/2026 - 1:18pm
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Sign up children ages 0-5 in Willow Springs
Dolly Parton, famed singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, passed away last week at the age of 80.
"There really are no words big enough for a loss like this. Dolly meant so many different things to so many people around the world — entertainer, songwriter, businesswoman, philanthropist, friend and inspiration. But for all of us who are part of the Imagination Library, we knew another very special part of Dolly: her extraordinary love for children and her belief in the power of books to inspire their dreams," reads a press release from the Dollywood Foundation.
Fundraising efforts to continue the Imagination Library in the Willow Springs area are ongoing.
"The Imagination Library began with a simple idea in the place Dolly always called home," continues the release. "Inspired by her father, Dolly wanted to make sure that every young child in Sevier County, Tennessee, could have books of their very own, regardless of their family's circumstances. She hoped those books would encourage children to love reading, dream more and believe that their own possibilities were bigger than they might imagine.
I don't think any of us could have known just how far that simple idea would travel.""
"I also want to reassure you about something that I know will be on the minds of many of our partners and families today: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will continue," promises the release.
The Foundation promises they have prepared for the future of the program to continue beyond Parton's life.
"Dolly didn't build the Imagination Library to last for her lifetime. Our organization is strong, our mission is clear, and our commitment to the children and families we serve has never been greater. She built it to last for theirs."
If you would like to participate, please encourage parents or guardians of children in the Willow Springs School District, ages 0 to 5, to sign up for free books at Willow Springs Pre-School, Head Start, Willow Springs Public Library or Willow Springs Community Foundation.
You may also make a tax-deductible contribution at The Willow Springs Community Foundation care of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Fund. The address is 127 East Main Street, Willow Springs, Mo.