Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Chairman Bo Watson have pledged that the state of Tennessee will pick up the local cost for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as part of Tennessee’s budget in 2027 as a tribute to the country music icon following her passing.

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is one of Tennessee’s greatest gifts to the next generation,” Sexton said in a statement. “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.”

Watson added that doing whatever was necessary to improve early literacy had been a top priority of his.

“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,” Watson said. “We are honored to continue the work she started through her Imagination Library.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began in Sevier County in 1995, where she was inspired to give young children access to books and inspire a love of reading, as well as paying tribute to her father, who didn’t learn how to read or write.

Since then, the Imagination Library has delivered more than 304 million books directly to children across the United States and around the world, free of charge. As of 2025, nearly 70% of Tennessee children are enrolled in the Imagination Library program.

According to Sexton, the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation partners with local governments to ensure free books are available to children in every corner of Tennessee.

“Thanks to our state’s balanced budget and commitment to fiscal responsibility, Tennessee has the funds to pay for the entire program,” Sexton said in a statement. “Tennessee Republicans can continue investing in opportunities that help every child succeed, regardless of their zip code or financial circumstances.”

Locally, residents can support the Imagination Library of Coffee County (ILCC), who provide books to the children of Coffee County every month thanks to its partnership with the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (which partners with the Imagination Library). According to ILCC, about 3,000 children in Coffee County receive books at no cost to families every month.

To donate to ILCC directly, visit www. zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/imagination-library- of-coffee-county.