Tennessee is honoring Dolly Parton’s legacy by fully funding her Imagination Library program in 2027. House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Chairman Bo Watson announced that the state will cover all local costs, with funds included in the 2027 state budget.
Dolly Parton launched the library in Sevier County back in 2004. Since then, the program has distributed over 304 million free books to children worldwide, and nearly 70% of children in Tennessee receive a book each month.
Recently, the library has faced controversy as some states have reduced funding because of budget constraints. While Tennessee counties all have access to the program, several neighboring counties in Georgia—such as Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, and Murray—do not.
To learn how to sign up or get more information about the Imagination Library, visit the program’s website.
