08/27/2026
The Jack and Jill of America Foundation joins people around the world in mourning the passing and celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Dolly Parton. 🕊️
Beloved for her music, storytelling, and unmistakable spirit, Dolly’s impact extended far beyond the stage. Her lifelong commitment to philanthropy, education, and early childhood literacy created opportunities for millions of children and families.
Through the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Dolly transformed her belief in the power of books into a movement that has helped children build home libraries and discover the joy of reading from an early age. By delivering free, high-quality books directly to children’s homes, the Imagination Library has helped make literacy resources more accessible to families and encouraged parents and caregivers to make reading a part of everyday life.
Her commitment to literacy holds special meaning for the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. Through our Reading Corner Grant Program, several of our grantees have supported community literacy initiatives connected to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. These programs have helped expand access to books, build home libraries, encourage family reading, and create more opportunities for young children to develop the literacy skills that can shape their futures.
Dolly understood that giving a child a book is about so much more than reading. It is about giving them the opportunity to imagine, learn, dream, and discover a world of possibilities.
We are grateful for the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind and for the ripple effect of her generosity in communities across the country, including those touched through the work of our grantees.
Her voice inspired generations. Her generosity changed lives. And her commitment to young readers will continue opening new worlds for children for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Dolly Parton. Your legacy will live on in every story shared, every book opened, and every young reader inspired. 🕊️📚