Dolly Parton's family has asked fans to honor her legacy by donating to her Imagination Library following her death on Aug. 25, 2026, at 80. The program, which sends free books to children under 5, has seen a surge in donations after her passing. Parton's family requested that mourners direct condolences to the nonprofit instead of sending flowers. The Imagination Library's website experienced technical difficulties as donations spiked, according to reports.
The program, started in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee, now operates in five countries and has distributed over 332 million books as of Aug. 26. It provides age-appropriate books monthly to children from birth to age 5, with no income requirements. About 1 in 6 children under 5 in the U.S. receives books through the initiative, according to the nonprofit's website.
Parton founded the library to combat illiteracy in her home county, where she grew up. The program has expanded globally, with 1.5 million children enrolled in Brevard County alone. It offers bilingual books in English and Spanish and provides free audiobooks for families without access to printed materials.
Donations can be made through the Imagination Library's website, which has since been updated to handle increased traffic. The organization also accepts book donations and volunteer support. Local libraries in Brevard County, including the Palm Bay Public Library and the Titusville Public Library, have partnered with the program to distribute books and host literacy events.
Parton's family said the Imagination Library was one of her proudest achievements. 'She believed every child deserved the chance to dream,' said a statement from her estate. Donors can contribute directly at imaginationlibrary.org or contact local chapters for alternative ways to support the cause.