New Mexicans joined fans across the country in mourning the death of entertainment icon Dolly Parton, whose music, philanthropy and literacy work impacted generations of children and families.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexicans joined fans across the country in mourning the death of entertainment icon Dolly Parton, whose music, philanthropy and literacy work impacted generations of children and families.
“She set what it was to be sexy, smart, independent and do so many great things for women,” Dolly Parton fan Emily Sanchez said.
Parton died at age 80. Fans gathered Tuesday at her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, leaving flowers and tributes in honor of the singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. The White House also ordered flags flown at half-staff in her honor.
During her lifetime, Parton wrote and performed more than 3,000 songs, including 25 No. 1 hits. Beyond her music career, she was also known for her charitable work, particularly through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to children from birth to age 5.
For many New Mexico children, the first story they ever heard was delivered through the program.
“Her philanthropy, her generosity, wasn’t for her profit. It was to benefit children all over the country,” Kathy Chilton of Libros for Kids, a local chapter of Parton’s charity, said.
More than 10,000 children in New Mexico have received books through the Imagination Library each month. Since 2010, the program has distributed more than 2 million books to New Mexico children under age 5.
Parton had been scheduled to visit New Mexico last year to celebrate the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library to all 33 counties. However, she became ill and was unable to attend the event, instead sending a video message.
“Every child in the state is eligible to enroll! Is that not wonderful?!” Parton said in the message.
The literacy program was designed to place books directly into children’s homes each month, creating opportunities for families to read together.
“Every beginning of the month, a child who signed up will receive a book that their parent, their grandparent, their loved one can read to that child,” Lt. Gov. Howie Morales said.
Morales said the monthly deliveries helped create excitement around reading and strengthened family connections.
“The anticipation for that book to come in and that opportunity for that child to bond with their parent through the love of reading, what a wonderful vision that’s been shown,” Morales said.
Chilton, who oversees the Bernalillo and Valencia County chapter known as Libros for Kids, said access to books in the home plays a critical role in childhood development.
“To have books in the home has been shown to be an extremely important aspect of children learning vocabulary, learning how to read, learning about the world beyond themselves,” Chilton said.
She also recalled a story about a New Mexico child whose connection to the program had a lasting impact.
“One day, the child went next door, and went to the volunteer and and said books as her first word, and from then she began speaking,” Chilton said.
Although Parton could not attend last year’s expansion celebration, she still delivered a message to New Mexico families.
“Congratulations New Mexico, and remember, that I will always love you,” Parton said.
Organizers said the Imagination Library will continue distributing books to children despite Parton’s death, ensuring her literacy mission lives on.
Parton’s influence extended far beyond music. Through books, film, philanthropy and storytelling, she left a legacy that touched millions, including thousands of children across New Mexico.
