On “9 to 5 Day,” Governor Stein Honors Dolly Parton’s Work to Expand Early Literacy and Support Hurricane Helene Recovery

Today Governor Stein proclaimed September 25 - or 9/25 - as "9 to 5 Day" or "Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Day of Reading," honoring the late entertainer and philanthropist. In addition to her work to increase early childhood literacy, Parton, a native of the Smokies, supported the Appalachian region in the wake of Hurricane Helene with a $2 million donation.

"Dolly Parton was so special: authentic and universally loved. Her music was powerful and moving, and she leaves a lasting impact - from advancing early literacy to helping communities rebuild after Hurricane Helene," said Governor Josh Stein. "The Imagination Library Day of Reading celebrates Dolly's life and honors her artistic talents, her humanity, and her legacy of fostering a love of reading for all children. Today let us celebrate her legacy by reading a book or lending a helping hand."

Born in Tennessee, Parton was known for not only her vocal ability but also her skills as a songwriter, writing classic hit songs such as "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." In addition to a legendary music career, Parton was an actress, a philanthropist, and a successful businesswoman, famously known for her theme park, Dollywood. Her work including starring in the hit 1980 comedy movie "9 to 5."

Parton supported western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene, donating $1 million to the Mountain Ways Foundation to support families recovering from the storm. Her east Tennessee businesses and the Dollywood Foundation matched her personal donation with another $1 million, bringing her total contributions to $2 million. These funds helped support families with immediate needs, including groceries, mortgages, insurance, and rebuilding costs.

Parton created the Imagination Library as the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation with the mission to be "an inspiration to all children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More, Be More." Since its launch in 1995, the Imaginary Library has provided more than 300 million free books to more than 3 million children around the world. North Carolina became the first state to expand the Imagination Library statewide outside of Tennessee, delivering nearly 25 million books and expanding early literacy resources to children in all 100 counties. Through this partnership, more than 240,000 children from birth to age five receive a free, age-appropriate book in their mailbox every month, helping families build home libraries and create meaningful reading experiences together. North Carolina parents who participated in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library reported an increase in reading to their children every day from 44% before receiving books through the program to 67% after participating.

The North Carolina Partnership for Children, through Smart Start, has been instrumental in supporting the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library, working collaboratively with local partnerships, families, and community leaders to advance early childhood development and literacy. North Carolina began partnering with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 2017 through a $3.5 million investment in the state budget. There was $12 million for the Imagination Library in the budget signed into law this summer by Governor Josh Stein.

Click here to read Governor's Stein's Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Day Of Reading proclamation.