Part 3
The Legacy of Giving: Imagination Library and True Success
If you’ve ever wondered what Dolly Parton considered her greatest hit, it wasn’t “Jolene” or “I Will Always Love You.” It was a stack of books sent to a child who had none. The Imagination Library started in Sevier County, Tennessee, in 1995, inspired by her father, Robert Lee Parton, who couldn’t read or write. Dolly wanted to honor him by making sure no kid grew up feeling the shame he did. Every month, a free, age-appropriate book arrives in the mail, addressed to the child. No cost. No catch. Just a gift that says: you matter.
That local program became a statewide movement under Governor Phil Bredesen, then spread across the country and around the world. Today, the Imagination Library mails over a million books a month and is closing in on 100 million books total. Think about that: a million kids a month opening a package with their name on it, turning pages, building a future. Dolly didn’t just write checks; she built infrastructure for hope.
When I asked her why she put so much into personal causes, she put it plainly: “When you get in a position to help, you should. But you should also invest in things that are personal to you.” That’s the key. Dolly’s philanthropy wasn’t about photo ops. It was about her daddy, her hometown, her people. She knew that real giving starts with a story you carry in your bones.
And that leads to her definition of success, which has nothing to do with money or fame. “A man can make money, but money cannot make a man,” she said. She measured success by enjoying her accomplishments, remembering what matters, and giving back. She wasn’t just taking; she was loving it. That’s the difference between a career and a calling.
She also blazed a trail for women that went far beyond music. In 1987, Ms. magazine named her a Woman of the Year, and Gloria Steinem wrote about her finding a unique kind of power. Dolly didn’t fit anyone’s mold—she made her own. She showed that you can be feminine and fierce, funny and profound, a businesswoman and a humanitarian, all at once.
Her overall message? Faith, family, fun, acceptance, and love. She lived it every day, and she left us a blueprint. Dolly may be gone, but her wisdom will keep on shining – and we could all use a little more of that in our lives.
Next time, we’ll pay tribute to Gloria Steinem and share more inspiring stories from women who changed the game. You won’t want to miss it.
