Support local kids in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library | Learn more about The Imagination Library
United Way of the Greater Capital mourns the passing of Dolly Parton, whose advocacy and commitment to literacy has impacted the lives of thousands of children across the Capital Region. United Way became a proud official program partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the spring of 2024. Since its launch, the program has delivered close to 300,000 books to more than 15,000 local children under the age of five, around the region.
300,000+
books have been delivered to
15,000+
Capital Region Children children
*as of July 2026
The following is a statement from United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s President & CEO, Peter Gannon.
“We are heartbroken at United Way at the loss of Dolly Parton. She has impacted the lives families around the world, including right here in the Capital Region, not only through her illustrious career as a singer and songwriter, but as an advocate for education and literacy.
Her extraordinary commitment has led to spreading the gift of reading, inspiring generations of young students and helping them build strong foundations for the future.
Dolly was a larger-than-life American icon whose impact will live on in every book placed in the hands of a child through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. We are incredibly honored to partner with her organization. We will always admire Dolly for her passion and dedication to making this world a better place. May her family be comforted with the knowledge of the number of lives she has improved.”
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In lieu of flowers, her family has asked that donations be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
To support the program locally, you can make a gift in her memory through United Way of the Greater Capital Region.