The North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC) and the Smart Start Network join families and communities across North Carolina and around the world in mourning the passing of Dolly Parton, beloved entertainer, philanthropist and founder of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“The Smart Start Network is deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton,” said Amy Cubbage, President of the North Carolina Partnership for Children. “Her belief that every child deserves access to books and the opportunity to develop a love of reading transformed the lives of countless children and families. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the Smart Start Network was honored to help bring free books and the joy of reading to children across North Carolina, helping families build connections, spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of learning.” 

While Dolly Parton will forever be celebrated for her extraordinary contributions to music and culture, her commitment to children, families and literacy leaves an equally enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Founded in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was inspired by her father’s inability to read and write and her belief that every child deserves access to books and the opportunity to develop a love of reading. What began as a local effort in Tennessee grew into a worldwide movement that has helped millions of children build strong foundations for learning and success. 

In North Carolina, that vision reaches communities in every corner of the state.

Through a partnership between Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the Smart Start Network and local community partners, all 100 North Carolina counties are actively enrolling children and providing books to children and families each month. Every month, children from birth to age five receive a free, age-appropriate book in their mailbox, helping families build home libraries and create meaningful reading experiences together.

Since the program expanded statewide in 2017, nearly 25 million books have been placed into the hands of North Carolina children and families.

Today, more than 240,000 children across North Carolina receive books each month through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

The impact of the program extends far beyond access to books. During FY 2024-25, nearly 17,000 families currently receiving books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library responded to the program’s annual survey, representing more than 37,350 children across North Carolina. Among survey respondents, 43.3% indicated they would not be able to purchase the same number of books provided through the program.

Survey responses also highlighted the program’s impact on family reading habits. Parents who participated in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library reported an increase in reading to their children every day from 44% before receiving books through the program to 67% after participating. These gains were reported across education levels, demonstrating the program’s ability to encourage shared reading and strengthen literacy practices at home.

Dolly’s passion for literacy reflects Smart Start’s long-standing commitment to helping children enter school healthy and ready to succeed. Across North Carolina, Smart Start local partnerships invest in programs that support early literacy, language development, family engagement and school readiness. 

As North Carolina mourns her passing, the Smart Start Network remains deeply grateful for Dolly Parton’s vision, generosity and unwavering belief in the power of books. The greatest tribute to her legacy is ensuring that future generations of children continue to discover the joy of reading and the opportunities that literacy can create. 

Her legacy lives on each month when a child opens their mailbox to find a new book, when families gather to read together and when young readers discover the joy, imagination and opportunity that come from a love of learning.

Support Early Literacy in Cabarrus County

To learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Cabarrus County, visit cabarruspartnership.org/dolly-partons-imagination-library or honor Dolly Parton’s legacy by supporting the Cabarrus County Partnership for Children’s Imagination Library program.

About Smart Start and the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC)

Smart Start is a network of 75 nonprofit local partnerships that serve all 100 North Carolina counties. The network is led by the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC), which ensures fiscal and programmatic accountability and coordinates statewide efforts to improve outcomes for young children and their families. For more information about Smart Start, visit Smart Start North Carolina.

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book-gifting program that mails one free, high-quality, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth to age five, regardless of family income. Through a partnership between Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the Smart Start Network, and local community partners, children in all 100 North Carolina counties have access to the program. Since the program expanded statewide in 2017, nearly 25 million books have been placed into the hands of North Carolina children and families. To learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in North Carolina, check eligibility, enroll a child or support the program’s continued impact in our state, visit: smartstart.org/dolly-partons-imagination-library