Governor Kay Ivey Proclaims Dolly Day in Alabama to Honor Dolly Parton and Imagination Library
- The honor recognizes Dolly Parton's music, generosity, and statewide childhood literacy efforts.
- The governor selected the late-September date as a direct nod to Parton's signature hit song, "9 to 5," celebrating a legacy focused on expanding access to books for...
- Parton originally founded her Imagination Library program back in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee.
Governor Ivey Declares Statewide Celebration
Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, as Dolly Day in Alabama. The honor recognizes Dolly Parton’s music, generosity, and statewide childhood literacy efforts.
The governor selected the late-September date as a direct nod to Parton’s signature hit song, “9 to 5,” celebrating a legacy focused on expanding access to books for young learners across all 67 counties.
Origins of the Imagination Library
Parton originally founded her Imagination Library program back in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee. The initiative delivers free, age-appropriate books to enrolled children, starting from birth until they reach age five.
Reaching Every Alabama County
According to figures from the governor’s office, the statewide network now serves families in every single Alabama county.
More than 121,000 children are currently enrolled in the program across the state, with over 3.1 million books mailed directly to homes. Families looking to participate can enroll eligible children online through the official Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library website.
A Legacy for Young Learners
State leaders urged residents to mark Dolly Day by participating in activities that mirror Parton’s lifelong advocacy for literacy.
“Dolly Day is a wonderful opportunity for Alabamians to celebrate the joy Dolly Parton brought to so many and the special legacy she created for our youngest learners,” Governor Ivey said.
She encouraged families to read together with a child to help inspire the next generation of readers.