Dolly Parton was The Little Engine That Could for so many of us.
As she’d say herself, “I think I can, I think I can… I thought I could!” and this is our community’s living tribute for that and so much more — a place to celebrate, remember, grieve, laugh, and share the stories that connect us to Dolly and to one another.
Maybe your child raced to the mailbox for an Imagination Library book. Maybe you met Dolly, saw her perform, or have a song that takes you immediately to another time and place. Maybe you simply admired the way she lived her life.
Whatever your Dolly story is, we’d love to hear it.
Add your Dolly story to our online collection
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For some, superheroes wear masks and capes. But mine wore wigs and rhinestones. Dolly has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is being a toddler going around playing my Dolly Christmas cassette that I played until it broke (I still remember the scream cry from that). As a kid, I was fascinated by her. I’d spend hours listening to her music, watching her movies or shows, and just learning as much as I could about her. She was able to help me get through whatever I was dealing with and was always there when I needed her. She helped me learn so much about myself and understand that no matter what anyone might think, being true to yourself is the most important. I will forever cherish the memories I have of being with her in person. From the concerts to seeing her at Dollywood to waiting in a parking lot just to see her walk into the new Lumberjack Adventure building she was opening. I never would’ve thought that that little kid’s dream of seeing her would come true, but I’m so thankful it did so many times. I’ve heard from so many of you this afternoon, whether it was a text, Facebook message, or a stop by my classroom door to check on me. It means so much to me to know that when so many people hear Dolly’s name, I am the first one they think of. I truly can’t think of any better compliment. I always knew this day would come, but I never thought it would hurt this much. And while it will be bittersweet to look around my house and classroom because you know she’s all throughout both, I’ll smile when I think about the fact that of all the lifetimes to live in, I got to live in the one with her in it. Dolly, thank you for everything you’ve given me (and the world) over the last 80 years. There’s no one quite like you, and there never will be. I will always love you. 💕🦋
– Jacob S
Just had a little girl and got our first Dolly book on the day of her death. In it has such a beautiful message about how important reading is and it even gives tips on how to read to a little one! She truly cared for people and my little girl among so many other children will have access to so many books because of her legacy.
– Morgan D
When we had Frances in March of 2025 we were so excited to sign up for Dolly Parton’s imagination Library. We looked forward to getting the first book in the mail, and started attending library storytime with her at just 4 months old. Upon getting a bilingual Spanish/English board book from Dolly I took that as a sign to brush up on the 5 years of latent Spanish language classes between high school and college. And when Frances turned one year old we got an email with a video from Dolly wishing her and all the March babies a very happy first birthday. When Dolly passed I thought back on how much we’ve looked forward to each Imagination Library book, and how much the program has meant to our family. I’m so grateful for everything Dolly Parton did for children’s literacy during her lifetime, and am happy to pass down that legacy to the next generation. Thank you to Greene County for continuing the program and for all the amazing library services that you provide for everyone in our county!
– Erin Q
We participated in Dolly Parton's Library program for our four daughters starting in 2011. We did not really have a budget to buy books, and receiving a book every month for years not only provided the girls with something to look forward to. Many hours were spent reading books thanks to Dolly's generosity and intentional selection of beautiful and thoughtful books. Her legacy will live on in many ways, but most personally on our book shelf.
– Sari B
Both of my children participated in the imagination library program. Every month they would be so excited to read the new book that came to the house. They both aged out of the program recently 1-4 years ago and still enjoy reading books they got from the program and can now read those books themselves.
– Brian W
Dolly was my hero. She sent me books that I read again and again and again. I still have every last one. And then I went to Dolly Parton’s Stampede. And it was the coolest thing ever. I was so in awe that I had a plastic bag from the gift shop that I taped to my wall for a year. And she could SING! Dolly Parton was the kind of person who you forgot was mortal.
– Naomi W
When my niece was born in 2012, I helped get her registered for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Then my next nephew and niece. In 2021, when I had my son, one of the first things I registered him for was the Imagination Library. He loved getting mail and the special birthday wish from Dolly. This helped to Kickstart our love for the library and nightly bedtime stories. I loved the variety and diversity from the books as well as the benefit to build so many children's libraries. My son graduated this year from the Imagination Library but this is definitely a program that I love and hope can continue growing and helping in the spirit of Dolly!
– Heather R
I knew I wanted to raise little readers and when I learned one of our duty stations qualified for the Dolly Imagination Library, I was SO excited. Not only did we have a new book to read, but my children also experienced the joy of snail mail! one of the books we received was "the coat of many colors". I wasnt familiar with the song but that quickly changed when I looked it up and it became a family favorite, and now lullaby. Also because a book introduced us. Dolly left such a legacy behind, her library introduced us to themes and people we may not have chosen to stop and read about ourselves. What a gift. We are forever grateful for this wonderful program
– Kaitlyn S
My Dolly story lives on our bookshelf. 💛 My daughter Cheyenne is only four, but Dolly Parton has already helped fill her childhood with stories, imagination, and the excitement of receiving a book with her very own name on it. Even her big brother Carter, who is seven, still loves when those Imagination Library books arrive. To them, it’s a package in the mailbox and a new adventure to read. To me, it’s the gift of watching my children fall in love with books—something they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. Dolly's Team may never know our names, but her kindness has found its way into our home, our bedtime routines, and some of our sweetest memories together. That is the kind of legacy that lives on, one little reader at a time. 📚💕
– Christine M
I have gotten the imagination library books for all three of my children!!! We absolutely loved getting a new book every single month and even my girls looked forward to what the next book was going to be. Now that Dolly is gone, these books will be held even closer to our hearts. Dolly will live on through all of us who got to enjoy her amazing legacy with her.
– Teresa M
My two-year-old has gotten into the habit of saying, “Thank you, Dolly!” at the end of every book we read. “Little Engine That Could” is one of his favorites, and we are forever grateful to Dolly for how she helped foster a love of reading in our child(ren).
– Kelly V
Our three year old Granddaughter just loved her Imagination Library books that arrived in our mailbox each month. We pulled up to the box in our car, and I handed the book back to her. She proceeded to announce the title and the author. We discovered she could read at age three! Dolly made such an amazing gift to our children and grandchildren.
– Celeste B
My boys loved getting books from “Aunt Dolly”. It wasn’t until last year that our 8 year old realized she wasn’t his real aunt. She was an honorary family member for many years through her gifts of books.
– Rachel J
Two memories come to mind when I think about Dolly Parton. I recall road trips to Chillicothe on Sundays with my husband, listening to "9 to 5", feeling a sense of acknowledgement from Dolly that making a living is hard. Also, feeling maybe everything will be ok. I also recall learning about her children's book series when one of my students gifted me, "How to Say Hello to a Worm". It teaches kindness to even the smallest of Mother Earth's organisms. I am thankful to have two copies in my classroom library.
– Micah Z
So grateful to Dolly for this wonderful program! Our daughter gets so excited when she receives new books and is ready to read them immediately. Because of this program, it’s so easy to pick up a book and read it to her, knowing that it is age-appropriate and thoughtfully curated. Dolly is such an inspirational personality, and her kindness will certainly leave a lasting impact on so many children, including mine. Thank you Dolly!
– S C
My daughter loved and look forward to getting a new book every month! She just turned five and I told her that the books would stop for her, she said it’s ok, we can still go to the libraries.🤍 I love how these books have fostered her love for reading and learning!
– Kristian L
