Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library graduation letter is getting renewed attention nearly a week after her death.
The legendary country singer, who died on August 25 at the age of 80, penned a poignant message for children whose lives were touched by her beloved literacy initiative.
Hannah Sampson, a staff writer for The Washington Post, shared the letter on X, which her daughter received when she turned 5 last year.
“Dear Imagination Library Graduate,” Parton wrote, reflecting on how quickly the children have grown. The “Jolene” hitmaker also encouraged the kids to continue reading even after they graduate from the Imagination Library program.
“Every book is a treasure and every time you open one up you will meet new friends and take wonderful journeys to magical places,” Parton continued. “There is no limit to what you can do or how far you can go.”
Dolly Parton’s Encouraging Words for Children
Parton closed her heartfelt letter with three pieces of advice for the children. “Dream big dreams; learn everything you can learn; and care for all those who care for you. You can be anyone you want to be,” the singer wrote. “You are terrific, and remember… I Will Always Love You, Dolly.”
Parton’s moving message isn’t entirely new, but this is the first time it has been presented as a letter. In 2022, Parton delivered the same message in a video shared by the Imagination Library.
Imagination Library is a childhood literacy program founded by Parton in 1995 through her Dollywood Foundation. The program aims to promote a love of reading by sending free books to children from birth through age 5.
Previously, Parton revealed that the program was inspired by her father, Robert Lee, who was unable to read and write because he had to leave school at a young age to help support his family.
“That always made me feel bad about my dad, so I started it based on that, just for our county,” Parton told PEOPLE in 2022. “It’s just grown in leaps and bounds ever since then, but it came from a place in my heart to try to help children in their young years, their most impressionable years, to learn how to read and write.”
Parton’s Legacy Lives On
Following her death, Parton’s family urged fans to keep her legacy alive by supporting the Imagination Library and its mission to provide books to children.
“In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” the family wrote in a statement.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $2 million to the Imagination Library in July, ahead of their grand Madison Square Garden wedding.
Parton responded to the couple’s generous gift, and jokingly asked if she could have their firstborn child.
“I’m blown away and overjoyed with that gratitude,” Parton said in the video. “Now, it’s evident that you two have made giving back a key part of your lives. So, hey, when you have your firstborn, can I have it? Because that is going to be one special baby.”
