08/27/2026
If y’all didn’t know…kids enrolled in the Imagination Library get a free book every month from birth till they turn 5. When that journey comes to an end…their final book includes a goodbye from the woman generations of young readers came to know simply as “The Book Lady.” It’s beautiful…and heartbreaking.
Parton’s complete message reads:
Dear Imagination Library Graduate,
Wow, how time flies! It seems like only yesterday when your family signed you up for my Imagination Library. You were just a little baby, and now you’re 5 years old and about to go to school. How exciting!
This may be your last book from my Imagination Library, but you have to promise me you will keep on reading. If you go to your local public library, you will find a great number of books just for kids your age. Every book is a treasure, and every time you open one up, you will meet new friends and take wonderful journeys to magical places.
I hope you have a great time in school. I bet your school will even have a library where you can check out books.
You and all your friends are very special. There is no limit to what you can do or how far you can go. Just remember the lessons my family taught me: Dream big dreams, learn everything you can and care for those who care for you. You do all of these things and you can be anyone you want to be.
You are terrific!
Remember, I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!
Dolly
The Book Lady