Forum: United Way of Snohomish County honors Dolly Parton’s legacy through the gift of reading
Published 1:30 am Saturday, August 29, 2026
United Way of Snohomish County joins people around the world in mourning the passing of Dolly Parton, who died August 25 at age 80. While she leaves an extraordinary legacy in music, entertainment, and philanthropy, one of her most enduring contributions is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—a program built on the belief that every child should grow up surrounded by books.
Founded by Parton in 1995 in honor of her father, who could not read or write, the Imagination Library has grown into the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program, delivering millions of free, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age five. In announcing her passing, Parton’s family asked that donations be made to the Imagination Library in lieu of flowers.
United Way of Snohomish County invites our community to honor Dolly’s life by carrying that legacy forward here at home.
Since launching the Imagination Library of Snohomish County in 2023, United Way has:
• Mailed more than 375,000 books to local children
• Engaged more than 20,000 children countywide
• Graduated more than 6,900 early readers into kindergarten
• Built one of the largest Imagination Library programs in Washington State The program reaches families across urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout Snohomish County, helping families build home libraries, establish reading routines, and prepare young children for kindergarten.
“Dolly understood that books do more than teach children to read—they open doors to imagination, confidence, connection, and possibility,” said Inga Paige, Executive Director at
United Way of Snohomish County. “The most meaningful tribute we can offer is to make sure her work continues for the next generation.”
A gift of $31 provides one Snohomish County child with 12 books—one delivered to their home every month for a full year. A gift of $156 can sponsor a child from birth through age five.
To make a gift in Dolly Parton’s honor, visit uwsc.org/sponsor-child.
Her voice will be deeply missed. Her belief in children can live on in every book we place in a child’s hands.
