By Lucy Ashton
As we’ve previously reported in The Dumbarton Democrat, Dolly Parton, who has sadly died at the age of 80, had a passion for children’s literacy, and several authors have been sharing tributes to her.
Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has praised Dolly’s Imagination Library, describing it as “the best contribution to child literacy ever made by a celebrity”.
Suzan Holder, whose novel What Would Dolly Do? was inspired by the singer, says: “There are not many people who decide who they want to be and stick to that all their lives,” but Dolly was one of them.
New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy, known for books such as Side Effects May Vary, Dumplin’, Ramona Blue and Puddin’, says Parton eased her nerves before an interview, describing her as “a girl’s girl down to her bones”.
BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James and former presenter Chris Smith, who co-wrote the children’s book series Kid Normal, say Parton’s reading campaign will be remembered as one of her “greatest legacies”, adding that along with her music, she had left the world “millions and millions of stories”.
Four years ago, Dumbarton constituency MSP Jackie Baillie congratulated Helensburgh Community Hub on becoming the first organisation in Argyll and Bute to host Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The scheme saw children from birth to the age of five in the Helensburgh Central and Helensburgh East area eligible to receive a monthly delivery of a book.
That fundraising ran throughout next year to extend coverage to Helensburgh North and Helensburgh West.
The country music superstar and actress founded her Imagination Library having been inspired by her father who was unable to read or write.
The programme grew exponentially to reach millions of children across the USA, Canada, Australia and Ireland. It was launched in the UK 15 years ago.
Jackie Baillie said at the time: “When anyone says Dolly Parton, your first thought is of glitz and glamour, but as well as being a larger-than-life public personality, she has a heart of gold, helping to develop children’s love of books and of reading.
“Reading is such an important activity which nurtures young minds and also brings families together.
“I am delighted that Dolly’s vision reached Helensburgh and that young people across the area will be taking delivery of books through the Imagination Library.
“I also want to thank the hard-working people at Helensburgh Community Hub for co-ordinating the programme locally.”
