Read SI

08/31/2026

In just 3 easy steps, you can enroll your child in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library today!

08/29/2026

Her final wish was for people to donate to her Imagination Library in lieu of flowers. Please help honor Dolly with a donation today!

To donate on the local level and benefit the children of southern Illinois: www.readsi.org

If you wish to mail a check, please make the checks payable to Read SI and mail to the following address:

Read SI
PO Box 1772
Marion, IL 62959

08/28/2026

To every family enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library please know it is here to stay. Dolly made sure your kids will continue to get books, even after her passing.

Read SI is the local affiliate for 18 counties in southern Illinois. We are determined to keep Dolly's dream alive and keep books in the hands of the children of southern Illinois. 💖

08/28/2026

Dolly's momma made her a coat of many colors, and Dolly wore it proudly.

You can make your own Coat of Many Colors too!

Check it out:https://imaginationlibrary.com/ilData/usrFiles/2020/04/COMC-ActivitySheets.pdf

08/27/2026

Dolly Parton touched the lives of millions of people around the world. We grieve her loss together, not alone.

If you want to share what Dolly meant to you, be sure to share here: www.dollyparton.com

Or be sure to leave a comment! We'd love to hear what Dolly meant to you and your loved ones. 🩷🩷🩷

Honoring the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, global icon, humanitarian, and beloved entertainer who inspired generations with her music and kindness.

08/27/2026

Hello all,

We just wanted to inform you that there is currently a lot of traffic on the Imagination Library website. Lots of new families are enrolling their children into the program, so the site is having some trouble keeping up with the high volume. Please know that if you are unable to enroll your child right now, the Imagination Library is working diligently to ensure the site is functioning correctly soon!

Dolly Parton would be so happy to know so many new families will be getting books in the mail soon! Her legacy lives on through us all, especially the families enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Thank you for your patience and interest in joining the program!

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

08/26/2026

In 1995, Dolly Parton started mailing books to children in her home county to inspire children to love reading in honor of her dad, who couldn’t read or write.

That idea lives here too. Every month, over 7,000 children in southern Illinois find a book in the mailbox — because of neighbors who fund it, volunteers who run it, and a woman from Sevier County, TN who started it all.

Read SI is determined to continue Dolly's legacy here in southern Illinois, and serve the many families enrolled in the Imagination Library for many years to come. We only hope we can make her proud.

Thank you, Dolly. We will always love you.

08/25/2026

In lieu of flowers, the family of Dolly Parton has asked that you make a donation to her Imagination Library. Please consider honoring Dolly by making a donation in her memory.

She believed every child deserved the gift of books and reading, and you can help keep that legacy alive. 🩷🩷🩷

To support the program at a local level go to www.readsi.org

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

08/25/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our beloved Dolly Parton has passed away. She created Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in honor of her father, and now, they are together again.

We will always love you, Dolly! 💔💔💔

08/24/2026

Every page makes a difference!