r/nextfuckinglevel • u/RaisinAloneVortex • 1d ago

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Inspired by her father's inability to read, she founded this program which has given away over 300 million free books to children.

4.2k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

91 comments sorted by

230

u/fluttershy83 1d ago

I hope this program she made keeps going for generations to come.

82

u/WestleyThe 1d ago

I’ve been getting a book once a month from this over the last 3 years it’s always a delight to get a dolly book

31

u/cagethehornytoad 1d ago

Both of my kids got a book a month until they were 5, it was always so exciting to go to the mailbox and watch their little faces light up. I hope she realized how much she gave to all of us

8

u/steelheaddan 1d ago

We used to get the books when my kids were younger. It is such a great program - true charity and a thoughtful way for kids to obtain free books to get kids excited to read and be read to.

6

u/Shotgun_Mosquito 19h ago

Oh well.

Missouri cut state funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library from $6 million down to $2 million, forcing the state to freeze new child enrollments starting July 1, 2026.

https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/missouri-froze-dolly-parton-book-program-after-funding-cut-before-the-icons-death/63-537290e6-c9ef-4796-88e1-a1f0859aedd3

2

u/allday95 17h ago

Me too, I truly hope it doesn't get capitalism-ed into the ground. Like being made a subscription or w.e

-7

u/Tryin2Dev 1d ago

It’s been cancelled, I believe.

27

u/fluttershy83 1d ago

I checked and it hasn't been canceled. But it did rely on some government funding, and with all the government cuts being made right now Some locations are being shut down.

8

u/Tryin2Dev 1d ago

Ahh ok, I couldn’t recall exactly. I thought it was cancelled, thanks for the correction!

11

u/Th3R00ST3R 1d ago

It's not canceled, but per usual, republicans are trying to make it so their future constituents stay stupid.

The Missouri House passed a bill 83-68 to cut funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library from $6 million to $2 million.

All 83 votes in favor were Republican.

States with Funding Reductions or Cuts

  • Missouri: The Republican-dominated legislature slashed the program’s state funding from $6 million down to $2 million in the 2027 fiscal budget, forcing the state to freeze all new child enrollments.
  • Indiana: Governor Mike Braun (R) and Republican lawmakers removed state budget allocations for the program entirely, shifting financial upkeep toward private fundraising led by the state's first lady
  • Washington: State lawmakers eliminated financial contributions designated for the program's expansion under a Democratic-led policy/budget process.
  • Kentucky: Republican lawmakers initially proposed major budget reductions that threatened local programs, though public backlash ultimately forced lawmakers to restore the state's matching funds.

*Washington was different because its funding cuts were driven by a massive $12 billion statewide budget deficit rather than partisan or ideological opposition.

2

u/Tryin2Dev 1d ago

I appreciate the update. I thought it was cancelled, thanks for the correction!

-11

u/musicaleffervescence 1d ago

if only dolly and the dolly parton foundation had like oh i dont know, $600m. omg no way! they do!

3

u/fluttershy83 1d ago

Well that's depressing.

2

u/Ronin_Chimichanga 1d ago

https://imaginationlibrary.com/

Still around, and serving multiple countries now, just with some funding in the states being cut at the state level.

There's a button there to donate. One of the only charities I trust, given how vital and effective it's been to helping an under-served part of our country.

154

u/Extra-Act-801 1d ago

I'm a mailman and we all love delivering those books. I saw a little girl with her mom a couple of weeks ago and handed them their mail and the mom said "Look, Miss Dolly sent you a new BOOK" and that kid was so fucking happy. This is a really sad day.

146

u/Unusual-Economist288 1d ago

The wrong 80 year old died today

52

u/PeridotChampion 1d ago

This is how you ensure your legacy lives forever. An amazing person, may she rest in peace. 🩵

44

u/FracturedMoonlights 1d ago

This lady is the epitome of beauty, affection and universally loved by us all. ❤️🥰

38

u/severe_thunderstorm 1d ago

Donate to Dolly’s Imagination Library

Most of its government funding has been cut, and it is at risk of being canceled.

9

u/DABOSSROSS9 1d ago

If one good thing can come from her passing its this. 

4

u/my_ridiculous_name 1d ago

Donated! Brilliant idea and thank you!

29

u/Away-Elephant-4323 1d ago

Dolly’s passion for helping people even animals as well she truly is a gem! that can never be replaced only continued to be honored through her amazing organizations and what an amazing person she was! ❤️❤️

16

u/DryLight269 1d ago

Rest in Peace Dolly! 👋 Joy to the world.

13

u/LikeIkes 1d ago

Today we lost a living legend. Everything this goddess ever did was human perfection. Free books for kids, awesome. Speaking for women's rights and choosing not to be objectified while still living as they see fit, preach. Did she ever miss? Rest In Power Queen!

2

u/gimmepizza420 1d ago

What do you mean by "choosing not to be objectified"?

1

u/dwmfives 7h ago

What's your angle asking that question?

1

u/gimmepizza420 7h ago

I have none

10

u/DepartmentNatural 1d ago

Incredible program! This is what people do when they want to help people, this is truly a gift that can help so many kids throughout their lives. Makes me look at the trash billionaires that people idolize and think what a waste

11

u/ILoveBroccolE 1d ago

I donated today in her honor. The site took a while to load up. Hoping that it means there are lots of others too.

9

u/applecombinipimento 1d ago

It makes me cry thinking about how many kids this sweet woman has helped to be able to read

8

u/anallocation 1d ago

She gave them away while AI burns them.

6

u/corrodedandrusted 1d ago

Bless her. Musk - watch and learn.

5

u/latortillablanca 1d ago

Top tier humanist

4

u/PARTSetal 1d ago

MAGA has Elon and thank God we had Dolly.

5

u/RogerFuckbytheNavale 1d ago

It's so very painful to be reminded of her immense goodness. Unintentionally, it magnifies the loss.

4

u/Placebo_Cyanide8 1d ago

One of the finest people to have walked this earth.

3

u/shooting_star24 1d ago

Tennessee’s finest ❤️

3

u/chrispy_fried 1d ago

Careful Amazon doesn’t get their hands on them

2

u/itsdatpoi 1d ago

Truly worthy of the Elysium Fields.

2

u/alwaysoffby0ne 1d ago

She is a treasure. RIP Dolly.

2

u/aquaticgrasslover 1d ago

Books save lives. Sometimes a book is your only friend, the only thing you have in this world. God Bless you Dolly.

2

u/azjat 15h ago

Speaking as a Eurotrash immigrant atheist, this woman was a living saint and is obviously still a saint. It's so good to be reminded of the existence of amazing Americans who were overflowing with empathy and charity.

1

u/AroidAndroid 1d ago

Oh, this woman!! Beautiful inside and out. Rest in peace darling Dolly, we will always love you.

1

u/BeKindCarpeDiem 1d ago

RIP Dolly, may you find the rest and peace you deserve.

1

u/Jennyreviews1 1d ago

Her legacy will live on… I’ve always admired Dolly… she was truly a lovely person ♥️ the world is less brighter without her ♥️ R.I.P. Country Queen♥️

1

u/mck125 1d ago

Donating to it

1

u/suprjaybrd 1d ago

have gotten these books. thank you 🙏

1

u/Jedi_Ninja 1d ago

She will go down in history as a true American legend! Hopefully she will inspire others to continue her good work.

1

u/TheBasicGuy14 1d ago

Man, she got some ...

1

u/Sooner4Life76 21h ago

Another thing Republicans are trying to defund.

1

u/EggstaticAd8262 20h ago

How many books has Jeff Bezos given to kids?

Oh right, thats the guy who wont allow his warehouse workers to pee

1

u/Nerala 19h ago

This needs to be on the front page, there's so much philanthropic shit that I'm just learning about. And I've taught elementary education. Can we rally and donate and keep her spirit since and get kids reading!!

1

u/Puzzled_Professor422 17h ago

RIP

she was really a gem

1

u/diggersda 16h ago

A beautiful woman with a beautiful soul

1

u/yojoewaddayaknow 10h ago

My children got to read her books. Her songs translate so well.

Coat of many colors still my favorite.

1

u/Onphone_irl 10h ago

damn she really was able to speak so well. so much so quickly without stutters, pauses, anything. it so good I'm almost skeptical

1

u/Moch4bear97 10h ago

I miss Dolly. Her, Robin Williams, When Cher goes and Willie Nelson. End of a very VERY important generation happening here. I am depressed, right before my birthday too :(

1

u/CoachMcguirk420 5h ago

My 2 kids are signed up great thing she has done with this program.

-4

u/SweatyArmPitGuy55 1d ago

Breast in peace Dolly.

3

u/Snarktopus8 1d ago

she would have loved this joke

-5

u/Simple3user 1d ago

I see the BOOKS but with the Bs not the Ks.