Ivey Honors Dolly Parton, Vows to Continue Her Legacy

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is joining people across the state and country in mourning the death of Dolly Parton while highlighting the lasting impact her work will continue to have on Alabama children.

Ivey called Parton a “true American treasure,” noting that while millions knew her for her music and entertainment career, her commitment to children and literacy could prove to be one of her most significant legacies.

“Dolly understood that putting a book in the hands of a young child can open a world of possibilities,” Ivey said.

Get our free mobile app

That mission has had a major impact in Alabama through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Ivey launched the program statewide in 2023 to provide free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to Alabama children from birth to age five. The program is administered by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education with support from local organizations.

According to Ivey, approximately 116,000 Alabama children currently receive a free book in the mail each month. More than 3 million books have been mailed to children across the state since the statewide program launched, and it now serves families in all 67 counties.

Ivey said Alabama intends to continue Parton’s mission of helping young children develop a love of reading while giving families resources to build early literacy skills at home.

Alabama families will also soon have another way to support the program. A specialty Imagination Library license plate has received enough pre-commitments to move into production and is expected to become available within eight to 12 weeks.

Proceeds from each plate will remain in the county where it is registered, helping provide monthly books to children enrolled in that community.

“Alabama is honored to be part of that legacy,” Ivey said, “and we will continue putting books into the hands and homes of our children.”

Eligible families can enroll their children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.