Dolly Parton's contributions to literacy will outlive the star, just like she planned

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Set us as preferred “Everywhere I go, the kids call me ‘the book lady.’”Dolly Parton wore the moniker like a badge of honor, and she earned it too.Through her Imagination Library program, launched by the Dollywood Foundation in 1995, she put more than 330 million books into the hands of children across America, Canada, the U.K., Australia and the Republic of Ireland.The program is rooted in a childhood of poverty and illiteracy — roots that those who knew Parton said she never denied or abandoned.

Parton, 80, died Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer.And although the country western superstar collected accolades — including 10 Grammy Awards, a National Medal of the Arts and two Academy Award nominations — across her storied career, Parton said her contributions to children’s literacy were most precious to her.

In 2023, the American Library Assn.awarded the singer-songwriter, book lady and philanthropist its highest honor — lifetime membership — to recognize her lasting impact on literacy and inspiring a love of reading in children.

Music Dolly Parton, a national treasure whose country music career married grit and wit, faith and sex appeal, virtuosity and plastic surgery, has died.“Dolly Parton represented the very best of America,” ALA President Maria McCauley told The Times on Tuesday, adding that, like people all over the world, she’s been playing Parton’s music since news of her death broke, particularly the song “I Can See the Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” “That song has so much resonance right now,” she said, noting its lyrics capture a theme of resilience and faith in overcoming dark times.“We want to make sure that Dolly’s vision, that reading is for everyone, becomes a reality.That’s something that we can all carry forward in memory of Dolly.”Parton’s Imagination...