In ENC, partners honor Dolly Parton through Imagination Library book drives

The world is continuing to remember Dolly Parton, who passed away Tuesday at 80 years old. But her impact remains on so many, including right here in North Carolina.

News 12 visited the Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children, which works with Parton’s Imagination Library.

Just last year, the Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children says they delivered over 72,000 books to over 6,000 children ages zero to five completely free of charge. Now, they are continuing the legacy of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Dolly Parton was known for many things, her singing, acting, Dollywood and more. But just as memorable was her dedication to giving back.

One way was through the Imagination Library, which was founded in 1995.

The organization was well established starting and in progress starting in Tennessee and kind of blew out from there.

In Greenville, Angela Sawyer and the Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children are keeping that legacy going through Parton’s Imagination Library program.

North Carolina is lucky because our whole state is participating, which is amazing.

Sawyer says they started working with the Imagination Library in 2017 after statewide funding was passed by the North Carolina Legislature in 2017. Since then, they help deliver thousands of books every year. Just last year, Sawyer says just over 72,000 books were given completely free to kids ages zero to five.

Her legacy is going to continue to live on through the books we give out.

Sadly, on Tuesday, Parton passed away after a brief battle with cancer, according to her family. But as Sawyer said the philanthropic impact she left behind will live on.

That part makes me really happy that even though she’s not with us anymore she is still affecting the lives of children that are born today.

And Parton’s charity work will continue receiving support from North Carolina. In the new 2026 state budget, $6 million is allocated for the Imagination Library.