Country music icon Dolly Parton has been honored with the prestigious title of “Kentucky Colonel” for her dedication to improving children’s literacy in Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear presented Parton, 78, with the highest honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky during a visit to the historic Lyric Theatre in downtown Lexington on August 27. The award recognized the statewide launch of Parton’s book gifting program, Imagination Library, which provides free age-appropriate books each month to registered children until they start kindergarten.
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels announced on their official Instagram account that all 120 counties in Kentucky can now participate in the free book-gifting program thanks to Colonel Dolly Parton’s philanthropy. In a press release, Parton expressed her excitement about partnering with Governor Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear to ensure that every child from birth to age 5 in Kentucky has access to books. She believes that this initiative will inspire a lifelong love for reading.
Governor Beshear also emphasized the importance of early childhood education and praised Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for making a significant difference in children’s lives. He expressed gratitude for having Dolly Parton present at the event and acknowledged her legacy and how books can positively impact a child’s future.
Dolly Parton founded Imagination Library in 1995 initially for Sevier County, Tennessee before expanding it statewide nine years later. Today, this Grammy Award-winning artist’s initiative is available not only across various states such as Washington, Montana, Kansas, Arkansas, Ohio, North Carolina, and West Virginia but also internationally in Canada, United Kingdom Australia and Republic of Ireland.
During an appearance at Folly Theater in Kansas City on August 27th last year she celebrated Missouri’s state-wide rollout of her program alongside Missouri Gov Mike Parson who said he was thrilled about welcoming Dolly into Show-Me State as they believe getting kids excited about reading early equips them better down their road towards success.
Parton revealed that she was inspired by her father’s struggles with literacy when creating Imagination Library. Despite not being able to read or write himself due to growing up working on farms instead of attending school he was one smart person according his daughter who loved respected admired him deeply so she wanted him involved when starting this project which quickly took off becoming worldwide phenomenon.