Dolly Parton celebrates Imagination Library of Washington

The Imagination Library of Washington has gifted 1.6 million books to early learners statewide. Dolly Parton began the program in her home state of Tennessee in 19-95. Washington created its statewide program in 20-22 and on Tuesday, the country music star celebrated its reach here, with those who made it possible. Lauren Gallup takes us there. 

The Tacoma Youth Symphony performed renditions of Dolly Parton’s songs, “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.” (Credit: Lauren Gallup, NWPB)

DOLLY PARTON: “I want to say hello to the entire state of Washington, but Tacoma, how are you doing?”

LT. GOV. DENNY HECK: “I want to just say, and I’m sure I have all of your permission to do this; To Dolly, we will always love you. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the stage, Dolly Parton.”

PARTON: “Well that was a nice welcome.” 

HECK: “State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdahl —”

State Superintendent, Chris Reykdahl, asked Dolly Parton questions about her career, love of reading and passion for early education. (Credit: Lauren Gallup, NWPB)

CHRIS REYKDAHL: “Here we are now, an unbelievably iconic career, your heart and passion is in something so big, so, I would just say, iconically American, and that is a love for reading. Tell us about the Imagination Library, you came all the way to the state of Washington. What does this mean to you?”

PARTON: “Well, I came all the way here because I’m very, very proud, as you said, of the Imagination Libraries. And, I’m sure, you know, it’s where we give books to children, from the time they’re born, they get a book in the mail once a month, with their little name on it … I think it really instills a love for reading and the love for books. I wrote a little song for the Imagination Library, says something about (sings) Books, books, I love books, the way they feel and smell and look. From my first look, I was hooked on books, books, books. (talking) And I was! And I want all kids to feel like that when they get their little books.”

REYKDAHL: “What advice do you have for educators here, future students, these young readers that were getting books into the hands of? Tell us about what grace means and respect and what you would have them think about as they live their lives?”

PARTON: “Well, to me, I think one of the things that we’ve lost in this world today is respect for one another … Our slogan at the Imagination Library is do more, care more, be more and do more. So if we would all do that, I think it will be a lot, lot better. But I really think we just need to have a little more kindness and just think a little harder to see instead of what all we can do to each other. Let’s see what we can do for each other.” Parton performed two songs for the audience, “Coat of Many Colors” and “Try,” which was written as the theme for the Imagination Library. (Credit: Lauren Gallup, NWPB)

PARTON: “This is a song when I put the Imagination Library together and it started to do good. I thought, well, every program needs to have some sort of a theme song. And you know me, I’m good about writing songs. So I thought well, what will I write this about, and I thought, we I’ll kind of write it about myself. I’ll write it about people like me. And people like you that really know that we need to try, no matter what it is we’re up against.”

*Try by Dolly Parton*