Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library enters the fall season by celebrating new achievements in its statewide expansion efforts and inspiring a love of reading in children all over the world as it reaches a new monumental milestone!
Dolly’s childhood literacy program now gifts over 3.4 million books per month to children across the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland. As we embark upon the fall season, the Imagination Library continues to inspire more children around the world to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!
This November, at the peak of its celebratory 30th anniversary year and in perfect harmony with National Family Literacy Month, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is marking a breathtaking milestone: over 300 million books gifted to children since the program began in 1995!
Just two years after crossing the 200 million mark, the Imagination Library has soared to new heights, now gifting an incredible 3.4 million books each month to children around the world and will deliver its 300 Millionth book this fall. This remarkable achievement wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of more than 2,800 Local Program Partners who help bring Dolly’s dream to life in communities across five countries.
For Dolly, every book is a gift of possibility. Inspired by her father, who couldn’t read or write, she created the Imagination Library to help children dream bigger, learn more, and believe in themselves through the gift of literacy.
With 300 million books in the hands of children — and counting — her vision continues to grow, one book, one child, one joyful delivery at a time.
Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte welcomed partners, supporters and guests to the Imagination Library of Montana’s Statewide Celebration, held August 27, 2025, to celebrate two years since the Imagination Library became available to all Montana children under the age of five and bring awareness to the program.
In June 2023, First Lady Gianforte announced that the program was available statewide. There are now about 27,500 children enrolled, and that number continues to grow. Over 590,000 books have been mailed in Montana since the program’s statewide expansion!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books, free of charge, to families via funding shared by Dolly and local community partners. Fall is a beautiful time of year to spark the imagination, not only by spending more time enjoying fall festivities, but also by spending more time reading! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this fall.
In this infectious story by Anna Dewdney, join Llama Llama as he experiences the highs and lows that all children have at bedtime. The perfect nighttime story for your child to learn about their emotions!
Hop on a tow-truck ride with Toad as he learns that everyone needs help sometimes—even the helpers—in this acclaimed picture book by Jashar Awan.
Max embarks on a journey to find the moon and wish it goodnight in this playful bedtime excursion by Ed Vere.
Check availability in your area to register a child, sign up to receive a notification when the Imagination Library becomes available to you or learn more about how to Start A Program in your area.
Dolly is headed to the Las Vegas Strip with a brand-new limited-run engagement at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace! Dolly: Live in Las Vegas will feature six performances running from December 4 through 13, 2025* during National Finals Rodeo.
*Due to exceptional demand, tickets for this engagement are fully sold out. Sincere thanks to all of Dolly's fans for the enthusiastic response.
Bringing together two giants of American music, the new rendition of “Home Sweet Home” featuring Dolly Parton offers a powerful twist on the 1985 hit. A portion of the proceeds from the single will benefit Covenant House, an organization that provides safe shelter, meals, hope and more to help youth experiencing homelessness.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 14 – Aug. 3) is the ultimate home for the family summer road trip this year. With a 40th anniversary celebration show, an anniversary season-themed drone show and the fun of summer in the Smokies, Dollywood is the place to be!
Celebrate summer and create unforgettable family memories with a visit to Dolly Parton’s Stampede! With two locations in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO, you’re in for a treat at this popular dinner show, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience the most fun place to eat!
Make your summer vacation one to remember at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show! This dinner show attraction has three locations in Pigeon Forge, TN, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Panama City Beach, FL, and offers an action packed pirate adventure and a four-course feast. There’s no better place to kick off your family vacation!
The Imagination Library celebrates new milestones in early childhood literacy, while continuing its expansion efforts to inspire a love of reading in children all over the world. Dolly’s childhood literacy program now gifts over 3 MILLION books each month and, as of June 2025, the Imagination Library has gifted over 284 million books to children across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
Dolly announced the cast, the music team, and the design team for the upcoming world premiere of Dolly: A True Original Musical as rehearsals commence in Dolly's hometown of Nashville, TN. Preview performances start Friday, July 18 for a Friday, August 8 opening night at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Belmont University. Due to overwhelming demand, the run has been extended with tickets now on sale through Sunday, August 31.
Kendra Scott announces the launch of the second Dolly Parton collection, a celebration of music, fashion, and female empowerment. This latest chapter in their collaboration draws inspiration from Dolly’s iconic song “I Will Always Love You,” honoring her legacy through handcrafted designs infused with heartfelt symbolism and personal storytelling.
Dolly Parton’s Star of the Show: My Life on Stage celebrates her iconic career with 350 rare photos, personal stories, and a comprehensive performance archive. On sale Nov. 11 and available now for pre-order!
Summer is a season of sunshine, growth, and golden memories. As the days stretch long and warm, Dolly reminds us to soak in the simple joys — whether it’s sharing a laugh with loved ones, enjoying the beauty of nature, or humming your favorite tune under the stars. Let this season fill your heart with light, laughter, and a song that carries you through summer.
Sittin' on the front porch on a summer afternoon
In a straight back chair on two legs leaned against the wall
As I watch the kids a-playin' with their June bugs on a string
And chase the glowin' fireflies when evenin' shadows fall
In my Tennessee mountain home
Life is as peaceful as a baby's sigh
In my Tennessee mountain home
Crickets are singing in the fields near by
Love,
Dolly’s childhood literacy program now gifts over 3 MILLION books each month and, as of June 2025, the Imagination Library has gifted over 284 million books to children across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
In Canada, the Imagination Library recently marked a major milestone: more than 4 million books have been gifted to families nationwide since the Canadian program launched in 2006. This achievement reflects decades of work by hundreds of local partners and volunteers across the country.
In 2025, the program continues its commitment to representation and inclusivity with a strong focus on Indigenous storytelling. Of the 70 books selected for the Canada Book Selection, eight are authored or illustrated by Indigenous Canadians—each one a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
In Oregon, the Imagination Library has hit a historic milestone one year after its statewide launch. Now every child under age five in Oregon is eligible to receive a free Imagination Library book each month, thanks to a grassroots effort backed by state and local partners.
In just one year, enrollment has grown from about 54,000 to over 65,000 children – an increase of more than 11,000 young readers. Enrollment is available for children from birth to age five in every ZIP code in Oregon, and parents can register their child online anytime at imaginationlibrary.com.
After successfully launching its bilingual English/Spanish book program in California in 2023, the Imagination Library expanded the collection to five additional states in 2024: Tennessee, D.C., North Carolina, Ohio, and Delaware. This summer, the bilingual English/Spanish book collection is rolling out to 16 more states!
Now, families in Washington, Colorado, Montana, Kansas, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Maine, Illinois, Oregon, Indiana, Oklahoma, Missouri, West Virginia, and New Mexico can opt to receive books in both English and Spanish every month—from enrollment until their child’s fifth birthday. Parents can also select their preferred language for all program communications. By continuing to expand its bilingual offerings, the Imagination Library takes an important step toward providing equitable access to high-quality children’s books for families of all languages.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and learning by gifting books, free of charge, to families via funding shared by Dolly and local community partners. Summer is a wonderful time of year to spark the imagination, not only by spending more time playing, but also by spending more time reading! Here are a few of the specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this summer.
In this vibrant book by Eric Carle, join the Very Hungry Caterpillar on a sunny summer day and enjoy everything the season has to offer!
Funny yet powerful, Nicholas Oldland's contemporary fable captivates little ones with a heartwarming story that highlights the incredible power of a simple hug.
Take your little one on a dog adventure full of fairytale magic in this book from Louise Yates, filled with friendship, beloved characters, and enchanting tales.
Check availability in your area to register a child, sign up to receive a notification when the Imagination Library becomes available to you or learn more about how to Start A Program in your area.
Spring is blooming brightly for Dolly, with exciting milestones and meaningful new beginnings at every turn! From launching Dollywood’s vibrant 40th anniversary season and introducing her delightful Dolly Wines Pinot Noir, to announcing the world premiere of Dolly: An Original Musical, this season highlights Dolly’s unwavering spirit and boundless creativity.
Family favorites like Pirates Voyage and Dolly Parton’s Stampede offer thrilling new shows filled with dazzling performances and unforgettable adventures. Amidst these joyful celebrations, Dolly also shares heartfelt reflections honoring the life of her beloved husband, Carl Dean, while marking 30 inspiring years of her Imagination Library.
Dive into everything Dolly has in store this spring!
Dolly kicked off Dollywood’s 2025 season and previewed an exciting year ahead, introducing new touches and reimagined areas of the theme park, and teasing a major new project coming in 2026. The 40th anniversary season begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, which runs through April 13 and celebrates Dolly and her unmatched talents through songs, shows and culinary delights.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is ready to make your spring unforgettable with high-flying acrobatics, mermaids, sword fights, and a hearty four-course pirate feast. With locations in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Pigeon Forge, TN, this swashbuckling family adventure offers fun and thrills for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy a high-spirited adventure at the World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction, complete with daring feats of trick riding, friendly competition and a new segment that brings majestic butterflies and flowers to life. With locations in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN, families can enjoy this high-spirited adventure along with a mouth-watering four-course feast!
Dolly has announced Dolly: An Original Musical, a stage show based on her life story, will premiere with a four-week limited run in Nashville starting July 18, 2025, After this special Nashville engagement at Belmont University’s Fisher Center, the production will head to Broadway in 2026. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at just $40.
After years of jokingly avoiding the color red (thanks to “Jolene”), Dolly has had a change of heart – this California Pinot earned a 92-point rating and is bursting with red fruit flavors and a hint of vanilla. The Dolly Wines Pinot Noir is available now at leading U.S. retailers in-store and online.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, marking three decades of inspiring a love of reading in children around the world! What began in 1995 as a small program in Dolly’s hometown has blossomed into a global literacy movement, delivering over 270 million free books to kids from birth to age five across five countries.
On March 3, 2025, Dolly’s beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, passed away at age 82. Dolly honors his memory with a stirring new song, "If You Hadn't Been There", a deeply emotional ballad that captures the depth of their love and the profound impact Carl had on her life.
Spring is a season of renewal, hope and new beginnings. As the days grow warmer and the world around us blooms in color, Dolly reminds us to embrace the promise of brighter days ahead – even if we’ve been through some storms. Let this time of year fill your heart with a joyful tune for spring.
It's been a long dark night
And I've been a waitin' for the morning
It's been a long hard fight
But I see a brand new day a dawning
I've been looking for the sunshine
You know I ain't seen it in so long
But everything's gonna work out just fine
And everything's gonna be all right
That's been all wrong
'Cause I can see the light of a clear blue morning
I can see the light of a brand new day
I can see the light of a clear blue morning
Oh, and everything's gonna be all right
It's gonna be okay
Love,
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, celebrating a remarkable legacy of nurturing a love of reading in over 270 million children. Since its humble beginnings in 1995, starting in Dolly’s hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, this local literacy initiative has blossomed into a global phenomenon. Today, the Imagination Library gifts free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income, across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
Every month, each registered child receives a brand-new, age-appropriate book in the mail, addressed to them by name – a personal gift from Dolly that often becomes a cherished monthly ritual. By sending high-quality books directly to children’s homes, Dolly wanted kids to feel excited about reading and experience the wonder that books can create.
From the beginning, Dolly had a vision to ensure every child could experience the joy of reading. In 2011, the Imagination Library partnered with the American Printing House for the Blind, creating audio and Braille versions of select books for children with visual impairments. By 2015, the program began including bilingual English–Spanish titles, recognizing the importance of diverse languages in celebrating families’ heritages. Recently, California became the first state to offer a fully bilingual Imagination Library statewide, allowing children to receive all their gifted books in both English and Spanish.
In February 2018, Dolly celebrated an inspiring milestone by dedicating the Imagination Library’s 100 millionth gifted book—a special edition of her beloved story, "Coat of Many Colors"—to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Dolly joined Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden to read with children and share gratitude for how far the program had come. Calling the honor something she would treasure forever, Dolly proudly placed the book in the world’s largest library, a testament to what community and compassion can achieve.
During challenging times in 2020, Dolly’s warmth reached families through “Goodnight with Dolly,” a comforting video bedtime story series. Each week, Dolly invited children around the world to join her online, snuggled in pajamas and reading favorite stories from the Imagination Library. This series quickly became a beloved weekly tradition, offering comfort and joy while reminding everyone to keep dreaming and believing during the Covid-19 pandemic.
After three decades, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library continues to make an incredible impact:
Dolly often says the Imagination Library holds a special place in her heart. Her late father once told her it was probably the most important thing she had ever done—a compliment Dolly treasures deeply. Founded as a tribute to him, the Imagination Library honors her father’s memory by inspiring children everywhere to dream big and love reading. With the help of thousands of local partners, Dolly’s mission has blossomed into a worldwide movement.
Each month, as children excitedly open their books addressed personally to them, Dolly’s dream thrives. Parents and caregivers cherish the bonding moments and bedtime routines these books create, making Dolly’s monthly gifts a treasured family tradition. After three decades, Dolly’s vision resonates deeply, proving a simple act of love—gifting a story—can echo across generations, brightening the lives of children and families everywhere.
After 30 incredible years, Dolly’s Imagination Library continues to grow—inspiring a love of reading, one book, one child, and one imagination at a time.
Spring is a wonderful time of year to let your child’s reading skills bloom by opening a good book together! Celebrate springtime with a few of these specially selected, age-appropriate books going out to registered children this spring.
This delightful book by Kari Percival embodies the magic of gardening and encourages all readers to interact with nature at their own comfortable pace.
A farm girl with a big imagination turns her landlocked home into an ocean playground in this dreamy picture book by Kallie George with illustrations by Elly MacKay.
This playful touch-and-feel book from Ladybird engages babies while they discover the farm and spot all their favourite farm animals.
Check availability in your area to register a child, sign up to receive a notification when the Imagination Library becomes available to you or learn more about how to Start A Program in your area.
