Tennessee could soon pick up the full cost of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a move lawmakers say would preserve her literacy legacy for future generations.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Senate Finance Chair Bo Watson, R-Hixson, announced the proposal Sept. 1, a week after Parton's death. If approved through the state budget process, Tennessee would begin covering costs currently paid by participating counties starting in 2027.
"Dolly Parton’s commitment to early childhood reading has inspired millions in Tennessee. We are honoring her legacy by preserving the Imagination Library," Sexton wrote in a social media post.
"Today, Senator Bo Watson (TN-11) and I announced for the state to fund 100% of the Imagination library.
This follows investing an additional $4.5 billion in state dollars in k-12, and $200 million in TN Accelerating Literacy and Learning Corps which has lead TN to be ranked 18th in k-12 education and 4th for reading proficiency growth," he continued.
The proposal is not yet approved and must still go through the state budget process before it takes effect. If approved, the state would absorb the Imagination Library's Tennessee costs starting in 2027.
What is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?
Founded in Parton's home county, Sevier County, in 1995 as a tribute to her illiterate father, the "I Will Always Love You" singer started the literary effort to provide young children with free books and foster a love of reading.
For over 30 years, the Imagination Library donated more than 332 million books to children around the world at no cost. According to Sexton and Watson's proposal, nearly 70% of Tennessee children were enrolled in the program as of 2025.
Children enrolled in the program receive an age-appropriate book every month until they turn five.
What Imagination Library expense will the state be covering?
Currently, Parton's Imagination Library is in partnership with the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), which covers 50% of every book and mailing cost statewide, according to GELF's website.
Amanda Bell, a realtor and the lead administrator for the Cheatham County Imagination Library, told The Tennessean that the Cheatham County program spends about $1,400 to $1,500 each month on books and mailing costs. Each book costs about $2, with the local program covering one half and the state covering the other.
Bell noted that about $2 per book is consistent across Tennessee. That said, if Sexton and Watson's proposal is approved, the state would assume the full $2 cost in the participating counties. In Cheatham County alone, that would amount to about $36,000 annually.
What have Sexton and Watson said about the proposal?
"Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is one of Tennessee’s greatest gifts to the next generation,” Sexton said.
“What started in Tennessee is now in all 50 states. Millions of children have been inspired and discovered a love of reading because of Dolly. There is no better way to honor her extraordinary legacy than to ensure every single Tennessee child, in every county and in every community continues to have access to the Imagination Library for generations to come."
“Doing whatever is necessary to improve early literacy has always been a top priority of mine,” said Watson in the proposal.
“Dolly Parton has always been a pioneer in the movement to improve children’s lives through books and reading, and she has left a lasting legacy on the country. We are honored to continue the work she started through her Imagination Library.”
Peter Burditt covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact him at PBurditt@nashvill.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee could fully fund Dolly Parton's Imagination Library starting in 2027
