How Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Began With Her Father's Illiteracy

Dolly Parton’s father, Lee, was very smart and worked hard on a farm in Tennessee.

He could not go to school because his family needed his help.

As a result, he never learned to read or write.

This made some everyday tasks very difficult for him.

He could not easily fill out forms or read a newspaper.

He also could not read bedtime stories to children.

Dolly wondered how his life might have been different if he had received books when he was young.

That idea helped inspire her Imagination Library.