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Dolly Parton

Founder of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Background

Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in her home county in East Tennessee in 1995, inspired by her father's inability to read and write.

WTVF NewsChannel 5 reported that Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

The CMA's tribute special, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, was held at Belmont University's Fisher Center on October 21, 2026.

About The Dollywood Foundation

The Dollywood Foundation: The Dollywood Foundation is a 501(c)(3) foundation that leads Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, its flagship initiative.

Key facts

Imagination Library launch: 1995, in her home county in East Tennesseesource
Death: Died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, according to WTVF NewsChannel 5source
Chair, The Dollywood Foundation: Listed as Chair on the Foundation's Form 990 for the year ending December 2025, with $0 compensationsource

WYDE coverage of Dolly Parton

WYDE Newsroom has published one article about Dolly Parton, on Oct 24, 2026. Dolly Parton is the subject of 1 story. The most recent is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Donation: $1 Million From Four Partners.

Philanthropy

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Donation: $1 Million From Four Partners

The Country Music Association, Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced a combined $1 million donation on October 22, 2026.

Oct 24, 2026 · 4 min read · Subject of the story

Reported alongside Dolly Parton

Belmont University · in 1 story with Dolly Parton
Country Music Association · in 1 story with Dolly Parton
Disney · in 1 story with Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library · in 1 story with Dolly Parton
The Dollywood Foundation · in 1 story with Dolly Parton
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp · in 1 story with Dolly Parton

Sources

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