Celebrating Dolly Parton’s Legacy

Dolly Parton remains an iconic figure who crossed boundaries of time, race, social class, and gender. Her music continues to inspire generations, with songs like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Here You Come Again” reaching audiences worldwide.

Imagination Library: A Gift to Education

Dolly Parton’s influence extends beyond her music. In 1995, she founded the Imagination Library, honoring her father who couldn’t read or write. This early childhood literacy program offers a fundamental solution to improve children’s lives. By providing over 300 million books to children up to age 5 globally, the program aims to enhance literacy rates.

The Imagination Library serves countries like the U.S., Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. By receiving 60 books by age 5, children gain valuable benefits. Research from the World Literacy Foundation highlights how literacy affects dropout and incarceration rates, ultimately improving quality of life.

The Importance of Childhood Literacy

Literacy impacts various aspects of life. For instance, children struggling with reading are at increased risk of dropping out, potentially ending up in the court system. Data shows over 70% of incarcerated adults read below a fourth grade level. Poor literacy by third grade raises dropout risks fourfold. Additionally, more than 85% of juveniles involved in the court system have functional low literacy.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests show declining reading scores since 2015. In 2024, the Nation’s Report Card reported declines in average reading scores for fourth, eighth, and 12th graders compared to previous years. Despite fluctuations, a slight improvement was noted in 2025 for 9-year-olds.

Addressing Youth Literacy

Improving student reading scores remains crucial and challenging. Causes for poor scores include pandemic disruptions, technological distractions, chronic absenteeism, and reduced reading for pleasure. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library directly addresses these issues by equipping children with books that can transform their lives.

Parton’s deep understanding of reading’s lifelong influence broadens perspectives, enhancing critical thinking, empathy, and communication skills among young people. Reading empowers youths to manage conflicts and appreciate diverse viewpoints.

Dolly Parton reads her book “Coat of Many Colors” at the Library of Congress in Washington on Feb. 27, 2018. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Continuing the Legacy

As we remember Dolly Parton, let’s celebrate her contributions by amplifying the reach of the Imagination Library across communities. Her legacy endures in countless hearts, fostering greatness through literacy.

Jerald McNair is a school administrator in South Holland School District 151 with expertise in education and public policy.