[REVISION HISTORY]

Dolly Parton legacy and Imagination Library tributes

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2026-09-28 17:33 UTC → 2026-09-30 07:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following the death of music icon Dolly Parton on August 25, 2026, her global literacy initiative, the Imagination Library, has seen continued activity alongside emerging funding challenges. The program, which provides free books to children from birth to age five, has distributed over 330 million books globally. On September 25, 2026, communities across the United States and Canada observed ‘Dolly Parton Day’ to honor her life and philanthropic legacy. The date, 9/25, was chosen as a tribute to her hit song ‘9 to 5.’ Official proclamations were issued by leaders including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul. California became the first state to officially establish the annual observance through legislation via Senate Bill 931. In New York, Governor Hochul allocated $1 million to support a partnership with the Imagination ~~Library, complementing existing state efforts to provide free monthly books to children regardless of socioeconomic status.~~ Library. Celebrations included the pink lighting of the Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Wheel, parades in New Orleans, and community events in Calgary, Canada. By late September, the program's reach continued to grow. In ~~Nashville, discussions regarding renaming~~ the ~~local airport in her honor took place, alongside plans for music performances and a fireworks display at 9:25 PM. To support~~ United Kingdom, the Imagination ~~Library, The Walt Disney Company announced that net proceeds~~ Library is doubling its presence in London, expanding from ~~a special theatrical run of the film ‘9~~ five to ~~5’ in October~~ ten boroughs. This expansion, funded by the Postcode Lottery, will ~~be donated~~ make an additional 157,000 children eligible to ~~the Dollywood Foundation. By September 26, 2026, literacy initiatives inspired by Parton expanded further.~~ receive a free monthly book. In ~~West Virginia,~~ the United States, the Tygart Valley United Way ~~announced it will serve as the Local Program Partner for~~ has partnered with the ~~Imagination Library, covering~~ program to serve Marion, Randolph, ~~Tucker,~~ and ~~Marion counties.~~ Tucker counties in West Virginia, providing free books—including Braille and audio editions—to children regardless of household income.

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