Montgomery, Ala. – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that Friday, September 25 will be observed statewide as Dolly Day. The proclamation honors the cultural impact of Dolly Parton, the celebrated singer‑songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, and highlights her lifelong commitment to children’s literacy.
Reading as a tribute
“Dolly Day is a wonderful opportunity for Alabamians to celebrate the joy Dolly Parton brought to so many and the special legacy she created for our youngest learners,” Governor Ivey said. “I encourage families across our state to mark the occasion in a way Dolly would surely appreciate by picking up a book, reading with a child, and helping us inspire the next generation of Alabama readers.”
Imagination Library expands statewide
Parton’s Imagination Library, founded in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee, began as a local effort to deliver a free book each month to children from birth to age five. In 2023, Governor Ivey signed Executive Order 729, establishing a statewide Imagination Library network in Alabama. The program now reaches every county, providing free books to families regardless of income.
According to the governor’s office, more than 121,000 Alabama children are currently enrolled, and the program has mailed over 3.1 million books across the state. The initiative is credited with fostering early literacy, supporting parents, and strengthening community ties.
How families can join the celebration
Parents and caregivers can participate in Dolly Day by enrolling eligible children in the Alabama Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com. The governor also suggested simple, family‑centered activities: reading a favorite story together, sharing the joy of books with neighbors, or making a donation to local Imagination Library chapters to help expand access in underserved areas.
Community partners, educators, and volunteers are encouraged to promote the day through school events, library programs, and faith‑based gatherings, reinforcing the shared goal of nurturing a love of reading among the state’s youngest learners.
Governor Ivey’s broader focus on children
The Dolly Day proclamation aligns with Governor Ivey’s ongoing emphasis on children’s welfare and education. Earlier this year, she received the Lifetime Champion of Children Award, recognizing her administration’s efforts to improve child health, safety, and educational outcomes throughout Alabama.
By linking a beloved cultural figure to a concrete literacy initiative, the governor hopes to inspire both public and private sectors to invest in the future of Alabama’s children.
Looking ahead
State officials anticipate that the Dolly Day celebration will become an annual tradition, reinforcing the partnership between government, nonprofit organizations, and families. The Imagination Library’s continued growth is expected to reach even more children in the coming years, further cementing Alabama’s commitment to early childhood education.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
