A message written by Dolly Parton to children completing her reading program is making a comeback after the singer's death. Her words, which are addressed to children at an important time in their lives, are being shared again on social media.
The personal message is included in the last book that children receive from the Imagination Library when they turn five. Washington Post reporter Hannah Sampson posted the letter on social media, giving Parton's words new attention.
In it, Parton recalls the time when her children were still babies and their families began reading books to them. She encourages them not to stop reading even after the program ends, suggesting they continue to visit the public library.
"Every book is a treasure, and every time you open one, you will meet new friends and travel to wonderful and magical places," she writes.
As the kids prepare to start school, Parton reminds them that their possibilities are limitless. She encourages them to follow their dreams and believe in themselves, telling them that "there's no limit to what you can do or how far you can go."
At the end of the letter, the singer shares three pieces of advice that she says she learned from her family:
"Dream big, learn as much as you can, and take care of everyone who cares about you."
The message ends with another characteristic Parton line: “ You can be whoever you want to be.” And then, a salutation that makes the letter even more personal: “You are amazing and don’t forget... I will always love you, Dolly.”
Although the message went viral after her death, it was not written specifically for this moment. The same words were also featured in a video released in 2022.
A program born from family history
The Imagination Library was founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, through the Dollywood Foundation , with the goal of bringing books to children from the earliest years of life. The program sends free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of family income.
The idea had a direct connection to the story of her father, Robert Lee Parton, who had been unable to learn to read and write after leaving school at an early age to work.
"I always felt bad for my father, so I started the program, initially just for our area," Parton said in 2022.
“I wanted to help children in the first and most important years of their lives learn to read and write.”
The program has grown significantly since its inception. By 2025, the Imagination Library was distributing more than 3.4 million books each month to children in the U.S. and other countries, and had donated more than 300 million books in total.
For Parton, this was one of her most important personal legacies. After her death, the family asked that in lieu of flowers, people make donations to the Imagination Library.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have also supported the program, donating $2 million in July.
In the end, Parton's message to children remains more than a letter about the end of a reading program. It's a reminder of the importance of books, knowledge, and dreams, but also a small part of the legacy she chose to build for younger generations.
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This is the special song Dolly Parton once chose for her funeral
August 27, 12:06 -
