Dolly Parton Welcomed with Open Arms in Missouri as She Celebrates Expansion of ‘Imagination Library’ for Children on One America News Network
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
1:58 PM – Wednesday, August 28, 2024
On Tuesday, legendary singer-songwriter and philanthropist Dolly Parton celebrated the Imagination Library’s statewide expansion throughout Missouri. She was welcomed with open arms in Kansas City.
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“I was excited because I’m thinking, I’m going to Kansas City…. and I’ve always loved the song, and love the state,” she told reporters.
The acclaimed singer’s father, who reportedly never learned how to read or write, influenced the idea for her library.
“It just seemed to bother him a lot… to cripple him emotionally more than anything because he was a brilliant man, and I always wanted to do something for my dad because he’s always done so much for us,” Parton stated.
The Imagination Library was then founded as a result of her father’s memory. It offers families the opportunity to receive five free books every month from the time a child is born until they turn 5-years-old and enter the school system.
“They’re going to grab somebody in their house, whether it be a brother, sister, and it instills a love for reading and family as well,” Parton added.
Republican Governor Mike Parson (R-Mo.) also attended the event in order to express his support and admiration. Parson addressed the assembly on the program’s impact on children’s lives and how the state was able to finance it.
“I feel like an aunt, like I am the book lady, so I am an aunt that might come and visit sometimes. Like, ‘Where’s the book lady? She’s part of our family!’” Parton said.
More than 200 million books have been donated by the program since its inception 29 years ago. After Kansas committed to a statewide program in 2023, Missouri is the latest 14th state to do so.
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