Dolly Parton has always stood up for what she believes in—lifting people’s spirits with her music, funding major charitable efforts, and ensuring children have access to books, no matter their background. But now, one of her most beloved programs, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is facing a major setback in Indiana, and she’s not staying silent about it.
Indiana Governor’s Budget Leaves Out Imagination Library Funding
Republican Governor Mike Braun’s newly proposed budget for 2025-2027 does not include the usual 50% state funding match that has helped finance the Imagination Library in Indiana. While some may assume the state fully funds the program, that’s not the case.
The Imagination Library is a public-private partnership, meaning funding comes from Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation and local community partners, such as United Way and other nonprofits. Indiana’s government has previously provided a 50% match, meaning for every dollar raised by local organizations, the state contributed another dollar to help fund the program.
This model has allowed the program to thrive in Indiana, reaching 125,000 children monthly and helping the state climb from 19th to 6th place in national child literacy rankings. The cost to the state? About $1 per child per month—a small investment with a big impact.
With state funding suddenly removed from the budget, local nonprofits will be left to cover the full cost, something advocates warn could severely limit the program’s reach.
Jeff Conyers, president of the Dollywood Foundation, released a statement urging Governor Braun and state lawmakers to restore funding and keep the Imagination Library thriving.
“The beauty of the Imagination Library is that it unites us all—regardless of politics—because every child deserves the chance to dream big and succeed.”
Dolly Parton’s Mission to Inspire a Love of Reading
RELATED: Dolly Parton’s Humble Beginnings and Her Dedication to Helping Others
Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995, inspired by her father’s inability to read and write. What started as a local initiative in Tennessee has grown into a global movement, delivering more than two million books per month to children in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Ireland.
For You
Her goal? Ensure kids have access to books during their most critical development years. Research shows that early literacy is directly linked to academic and personal success, making programs like the Imagination Library invaluable for children’s futures.
For the past two years, Indiana has been a model of success for the program. With state funding on the chopping block, many are wondering why lawmakers would turn their backs on an initiative with proven results.
Backlash and Calls for Reconsideration
The decision to cut funding has sparked outrage from Democratic lawmakers and local advocates, who argue that defunding the program would be a “disservice” to Indiana’s children. Democrats in the state legislature have vowed to propose an alternative budget to reinstate funding.
Former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb strongly supported the program, recognizing its role in boosting literacy rates statewide. Governor Braun, on the other hand, has yet to publicly comment on why funding was pulled—but he has made reducing state spending a key part of his agenda.
While the governor may be quiet, Dolly Parton’s team isn’t backing down. Conyers clarified that the Imagination Library isn’t just about books—it’s about changing lives.
“For the past two years, the State of Indiana has been a proud partner in bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to over 125,000 Hoosier children each month. Together, we’ve helped nurture a love of reading, given families precious moments of joy, and built a foundation for lifelong learning.”
With so many success stories tied to the program and bipartisan support in the past, many are hoping Governor Braun will reconsider.
Will Indiana Lawmakers Listen?
Dolly Parton has never been one to pick political fights, but when it comes to helping children, she doesn’t stay quiet. The Imagination Library isn’t just a charity project—it’s a legacy of literacy that has changed millions of lives.
Indiana has already seen what the program can do, and many believe it would be a huge mistake to let funding slip away now. Whether Governor Braun listens remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—Dolly Parton won’t stop fighting for the kids who need these books the most.
