Thousands of children across Lancashire have benefited from the legendary country music superstar Dolly Parton, who died aged 80 following a “brief battle with cancer”.
The Imagination Library, funded by The Dollywood Foundation UK, provided age-appropriate books every month to children up to age five, regardless of their financial background.
She set up the first Imagination Library in 1995 in her hometown in Tennessee, USA.
Since then, the Imagination Library has come to the UK, with more than 50,000 children receiving a book every month.
Her family announced Parton’s death on Tuesday night, and her publicist Marcel Pariseau said: “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre surrounded by loved ones.
“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.”
The singer was best known for her genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene.
Every book delivered across Lancashire was personally addressed to the child and funded by the charity Make My Day Better alongside other donors.
Promoting the scheme, a Lancashire County Council spokesperson said: “We really hope this scheme helps to encourage all children in care to have a love of books and reading as early as possible, and that you will enjoy reading them with the children in your care.”
Flags will be lowered throughout America in Parton’s honour, US President Donald Trump announced, posting on Truth Social “there has never been anyone like her”.
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Singer Beyonce, who covered Jolene on her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, said Parton was the “north star” for the industry.
She added: “Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship.
“I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
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