Dolly Parton is calling on Indiana’s Republican governor to reverse a budget proposal that would defund her popular Imagination Library childhood literacy program.
The country icon and legendary philanthropist is challenging Governor Mike Braun to reconsider Indiana’s proposed budget after a report from the South Bend Tribune said the budget eradicates the state’s 50 percent matching fund for the beloved program.
Imagination Library encourages early literacy by giving eligible children under five one free book per month.
“We are hopeful that Governor Braun and the Indiana Legislature will continue this vital investment by restoring the state’s funding match for local Imagination Library programs,” a representative for Parton said in a statement after the news broke (quote via the Daily Beast).
“The beauty of the Imagination Library is that it unites us all — regardless of politics — because every child deserves the chance to dream big and succeed.”
The statement also points out that the program has been very successful in Indiana.
“For the past two years, the State of Indiana has been a proud partner in bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to over 125,000 Hoosier children each month. Together, we’ve helped nurture a love of reading, given families precious moments of joy, and built a foundation for lifelong learning.”
The Tribune reports that more than 10,000 children in St. Joseph County and more than 5,000 in Elkhart, LaGrange and Noble counties currently receive books monthly through Parton’s program. The program has helped to raise Indiana from 19th place to sixth place nationwide in terms of early literacy, which experts say is crucial to later academic performance.
Imagination Library’s website says Parton started the initiative in 1995, inspired by her father’s lack of literacy.
The program is now in countries all over the world, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and Ireland. Over the course of 30 years, Parton has helped 3,197,250 children receive 264,181,752 books worldwide.
Dolly Parton’s surprisingly humble former home in Nashville has finally sold, after many years on and off the market. Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, purchased the 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in 1980, and they owned it until 1996. It’s been on and off the market for 12 years, finally selling for $849,000 in December of 2021.
Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker
Dolly Parton has sold her cozy cabin in California, and pictures show a charming retreat that’s as down-home as she is.
Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker
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Dolly Parton has been a fixture in country music and really, all of entertainment, since the 1960s. The only thing that has changed about the icon is her age — she’s as radiant as she’s ever been! Check out these pictures of a young Dolly Parton.
Gallery Credit: Evan Paul
Dolly Parton’s funny quips and words of wisdom are so memorable they’ve earned their own name: Dollyisms! Here are 14 of her best quotes through the years.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
Sterling Whitaker is a Senior Writer and Senior Editor for Taste of Country. He focuses on celebrity real estate, as well as coverage of Yellowstone and related shows like 1883 and 1923. He’s interviewed cast members including Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, Sam Elliott and Harrison Ford, and Whitaker is also known for his in-depth interviews with country legends including Don Henley, Rodney Crowell, Trace Adkins, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Skaggs and more.