MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Gov. Kay Ivey honored the legacy of Dolly Parton Tuesday by highlighting her work promoting children’s literacy through the late singer’s Imagination Library program.
“Dolly Parton was a true American treasure,” Ivey said. “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.”
Ivey launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Alabama across the state in 2023. The program offers free books every month to kids ages 0-5.
According to the governor’s office, around 116,000 children across the state currently receive a book each month through the program. More than 3 million books have been mailed across the state since the program was launched statewide.
The program now exists in all 67 counties, where it is administered by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education and partners with local organizations.
“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 said.
Alabama will soon be able to support the program by purchasing a specialty license plate. Proceeds will remain in the county where the plate is registered.
“Alabama is honored to be part of that legacy, and we will continue putting books into the hands and homes of our children,” Ivey said.
