Virginia Communities Mark ‘Dolly Parton Day’ to Champion Early Literacy

Norfolk Portsmouth Newport News, VA, September 25, 2026 —

Virginia communities, with a notable focus on the Southwest and Southside regions, are participating in the observance of ‘Dolly Parton Day’ on September 25th. This day is dedicated to raising public awareness and garnering support for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a cornerstone program in early childhood literacy efforts.

The Imagination Library is a free book gifting program that mails age-appropriate books to children from birth until they begin kindergarten. The initiative aims to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning by providing children with access to high-quality books, regardless of their family’s economic situation.

The celebration in Virginia is part of a broader, nationwide recognition of the influential country music singer and actress, Dolly Parton, for her significant contributions to promoting early childhood literacy. Her commitment through the Imagination Library has reached millions of children across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom since its inception.

Events and activities planned for ‘Dolly Parton Day’ in Virginia are intended to highlight the program’s impact on young children and families within the Commonwealth. These efforts seek to encourage community engagement and support for the continued operation and expansion of the Imagination Library’s services.

While the specific details of celebrations may vary by locality, the overarching goal remains consistent: to underscore the importance of early literacy and to acknowledge Dolly Parton’s philanthropic vision. The program’s success is often attributed to its simple yet effective model, which consistently delivers books directly to children’s homes, creating a direct link between early education and family involvement.

Story summarized from the original created by Meghan Mangrum on cardinalnews.org, see more information here.

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