Dolly Parton Donates 100 Millionth Book To Children
February 28, 2018
Since 1995, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has been donating books to children in cities across the world where her program is offered.
Yesterday, the beloved country music star went to Washington to deliver her 100 millionth book.
Credit: Shawn Miller / Library of Congress
Imagination Library sends free books to children from birth until their first day of school, regardless of their parents' income. The program, which originally distributed books to kids living in Dolly's hometown in Tennessee, now sends them to children around the globe.
Dolly says she started the program to honor her father, Lee Parton, who never learned to read or write himself, but was "the smartest person I've ever known."
Her father did live long enough to see the program grow beyond the boundaries of their hometown. "He was prouder of that than anything," Dolly said.
Dolly's Imagination Library currently operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
"Dolly Parton's work through her Imagination Library is awe-inspiring," Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said. “They have counted the number of books given away – 100 million – but there is no way to truly quantify the impact this program has had on developing young readers across America and in other parts of the world. This is an extraordinary gift to humankind. The Library of Congress shares this passion for developing young readers and I am so pleased to announce these cooperative programs, which will provide an opportunity for children anywhere to connect with a fun, engaging reading experience."
And what book could be more fitting to commemorate the Imagination Library's 100 millionth than one written by Dolly herself. "Coat of Many Colors" is a picture book featuring the lyrics of Dolly's song of the same name with illustrations by Brooke Boynton-Hughes.
Watch the video below.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Couple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It
These Are The Movie Scenes People Say Are Absolutely Flawless
Judge Waives Parking Fines So Dad Can Keep Supporting Son’s Space Dreams
Hungry Elephant Casually Walks Into Grocery Store For Snacks In Thailand
Wild Orcas Keep Giving Humans Gifts, Leaving Experts Puzzled
My Girlfriend Gifted Me My Father’s Handwriting To Keep Forever
The Funniest Dog Reactions To Hearing 'Walk' — You’ll Be Laughing Out Loud
Hero Dog Named RAMBO Scares Off Masked Robbers To Save Woman
UPS Driver Joins Teenagers On Graduation Slip ’N Slide
'Two Pure Souls': Dog Warms Stranger's Heart At Lacrosse Game
'Am I Allowed To Be This Happy?' The Moment A Nervous Foster Dog Finally Lies In A Dog Bed