Tennessee Pledges Full State Funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Speaker Sexton, Chairman Watson Pledge Full State Funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) announced that he and Chairman Bo Watson (R-Hixson) have pledged for the state to fund 100% of the local cost of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as part of Tennessee’s 2027 budget.

Dolly Parton’s commitment to early childhood reading has inspired millions across Tennessee, and Speaker Sexton says the state is honoring her legacy by ensuring the program’s future.

“What started in Tennessee is now in all 50 states,” Sexton said. “Millions of children have been inspired and discovered a love of reading because of Dolly. There is no better way to honor her extraordinary legacy than to ensure every single Tennessee child, in every county and in every community, continues to have access to the Imagination Library for generations to come.”

Chairman Watson echoed that commitment to early literacy. “Dolly Parton has always been a pioneer in the movement to improve children’s lives through books and reading, and she has left a lasting legacy on the country,” Watson said. “We are honored to continue the work she started through her Imagination Library.”

The pledge builds on the state’s broader investment in literacy and K-12 education. Tennessee has invested an additional $4.5 billion in state dollars in K-12 education and $200 million in the TN Accelerating Literacy and Learning Corps, helping the state rise to 18th in K-12 education and 4th in the nation for reading proficiency growth.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library began in Sevier County in 1995, inspired by her father’s humble beginnings, with the goal of giving young children access to books and inspiring a love of reading. Over more than 20 years, the foundation has delivered more than 304 million books directly to children across the United States and around the world, free of charge. As of 2025, nearly 70% of Tennessee children are enrolled in the Imagination Library program.

Currently, the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation partners with local governments to ensure free books are available to children in every corner of Tennessee. State leaders say Tennessee’s balanced budget and commitment to fiscal responsibility make it possible to fund the entire program, allowing continued investment in opportunities for every child to succeed, regardless of zip code or financial circumstances.