Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, founded in 1995 in honour of her father, has helped millions of young children develop a love of reading by posting them a free book every month until age five. Following Parton’s death aged 80, families and authors have described the programme as a lasting part of her legacy, crediting it with establishing reading routines and supporting children’s emotional and social development.

The scheme began in Tennessee’s Sevier County before expanding to the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia and Ireland through local partnerships. By its 30th anniversary in 2025, it had distributed more than 300 million books — roughly one every 78 seconds — while its curated titles have included themes such as diverse families, courage, bullying and identity.