Dolly Parton’s death on Tuesday left a wake of sadness and fond memories for many Americans who appreciated the country music icon’s far-reaching talent, charm and philanthropy.

She didn’t just impress adults.

Millions of children have come to love the books that arrive in the mail at their home every month at no cost to families through her charitable literacy program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Her wish to be remembered as “the book lady,” as she had mentioned in several public interviews, is being fulfilled through the free book giveaway in communities nationwide, including Colorado Springs.

“Reading to a child is one of the things that can really change the trajectory of someone’s life from its earliest stages,” said Cami Bremer, president and CEO of Pikes Peak United Way. “That is the focus of Pikes Peak United Way — to show a path to stability and do that as early as we are able.”

The United Way affiliate has been the area program administrator since 2013. Over the years, the program has grown steadily in popularity, Bremer said.

From Jan. 1, 2025 through June 30 of this year, 97,766 books were mailed to kids from infant to age 5 in 11,243 families across El Paso and Teller counties.

There are 9,023 families currently enrolled.

Parton started the early childhood literacy program in 1995 in her home state of Tennessee as a tribute to her father, who couldn’t read or write in adulthood, she says on the Imagination Library website. Her father told her Imagination Library was “probably the most important thing” she’d ever done. 

Her dream that “all children should grow up in a home full of books,” regardless of their socioeconomic status, has been realized. Some 3 million children receive free books by post every month, according to the organization’s website.

Parton handpicked the books for age-appropriate content and messaging, Bremer said. Each age group receives the same book.

The initiative represents more than books, said Jim Grice, executive vice president of marketing and development for Pikes Peak United Way.

For many adults and children, they are treasures.

“Thank you for giving my children an amazing opportunity to learn and grow. Sometimes books are all we have. We cherish them,” one parent wrote to Pikes Peak United Way.

Grice said he refers to those words to exemplify the meaning and value of the program.

In surveying users, about 80% of local Imagination Library participants credit the program with them reading more with their children, 85% said they gain new ideas for activities they can do with their children and 95% said the reading was preparing their children for kindergarten.

“My older child struggled with literacy, and having a variety of books to read aloud and practice his fluency has translated to his schoolwork,” another parent wrote. “It also creates a stronger bond between my children, and my youngest always looks forward to story time.” 

Books include a note from Dolly Parton, addressed to her “Dear Friends.”

“If one wish of mine could come true, I hope my Imagination Library gives wings to all of your dreams,” reads one message.

For “The Little Engine that Could,” her note highlighted children trying “your best to be an inspiration for others that are still afraid and shy” and
trying “to make the most of every moment.”

“It’s a really great program,” Grice said.

One of the best things is that anybody can sign up, Bremer said.

The state funds half and Pikes Peak United Way pays for the other half the program’s costs. In other communities, Rotary Clubs, library districts, municipalities, Head Start programs and other groups administer Imagination Library.

“It is heart-warming to find families everywhere we go that recognize Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” Bremer said. “They associate it with her name, and that’s an incredible legacy. It’s pervasive in El Paso County.”

Colorado Imagination Library recently celebrated the 3 millionth book distributed statewide.

There are 51 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliates in Colorado. Only three are overseen by United Way chapters: Pikes Peak, Yampa Valley and Larimer County.

“That’s a whole lot of families impacted,” Bremer said.