IoM Imagination Library 'privileged to play tiny part' in Dolly Parton's legacy

The gifting program posts free books to children

The Manx branch of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library says it is 'heartbroken' at the singer's death.

The 80-year-old country singer, who'd been battling cancer, raised millions for charity and launched the global programme to give children free books.

A humanitarian, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author, she was primarily a prolific songwriter, who sold more than 100-million records and released nearly 50 albums over seven decades, with hits including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You.

As well as 11 Grammys she also had a successful business career opening the Dollywood theme park in 1986.

She'd postponed shows in October for health reasons.

Her nephew Brian Seaver announced the news on Instagram yesterday (25 August):

IMAGINATION LIBRARY

The Imagination Library gifting program posts free books to children, from birth to age five, no matter their family's income.

Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, the country singer started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county in East Tennessee. 

In the years since, it expanded throughout the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Ireland with two million books gifted each month.

Almost a quarter of a billion have been gifted in total.

The project was successfully launched here back in 2024 and the team says it 'feels incredibly privileged to play a tiny part in continuing it here on the Isle of Man'.

Earlier this year, we caught up with Charity Director Trish McDonough, who told us more about the reasons behind the initiative, and why it's such a fantastic return on investment:

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, her family has asked for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.