By Brooke Mallory, OAN Staff
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 1:58 PM
On Tuesday, legendary singer-songwriter and philanthropist Dolly Parton received a warm welcome in Kansas City as she celebrated the expansion of Imagination Library across Missouri.
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“I was excited because I thought I was going to Kansas City. I've always loved this song and I love this state,” she told reporters.
The famous singer's father, who reportedly never learned to read or write, inspired her library idea.
“My dad was a great man and I think the emotional devastation was what really bothered him more than anything. He always did so much for us and I wanted to do something for him,” Parton said.
Her father's memories inspired her to found the Imagination Library, which offers families the opportunity to receive five free books each month from the time their child is born until they turn five and start school.
“Children get their brothers, sisters or other people in the house involved, which fosters a love of reading and family,” Parton added.
Republican Governor Mike Parson of Missouri also attended the event to voice his support and praise, addressing the Legislature about the impact the program has had on children's lives and how the state was able to secure funding for it.
“I feel like an aunt. Like the woman in the book. So I feel like an aunt who comes to visit every now and then. I'm like, 'Where's the woman in the book? She's part of our family!'” Parton said.
The program has donated more than 200 million books since it began 29 years ago, and Missouri becomes the latest 14th state to do so after Kansas committed to implementing a statewide program in 2023.Number Declare that you will do so.
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