Dolly Parton penned a poignant note to children receiving their final free book from her Imagination Library organization — and the message has gone viral since her passing.
The country music icon, who died at 80 on Tuesday, launched the program in 1995, with monthly books sent to kids in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland and Australia until they turned 5.
She reflected on “how time flies” in her letter to each “Imagination Library Graduate.”
Parton wrote, “It seems it was only yesterday when your family and friends read you your first story. You were just a baby. Now you’re 5 years old and about to go to school. How exciting!
“This may be your last book from my Imagination Library, but you have to promise me you will keep on reading,” she continued. “If you go to your local public library, you will find a great number of books just for kids your age.”
The Grammy winner called “every book … a treasure,” gushing, “Every time you open one up you will meet new friends and take wonderful journeys to magical places.”
The “9 to 5” hitmaker concluded by urging the little ones to “remember the lessons [her] family taught” her.
She advised, “Dream big dreams; learn everything you can learn; and care for all those who care for you. You do all of these things and you can be anyone you want to be. You are terrific.”
Parton signed off with a reference to her hit 1974 song, writing, “Remember … I Will Always Love You, Dolly.”
Children, notably, received “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!” as their final book in the program.
Each kid started with a copy of “The Little Engine That Could.”
While announcing Parton’s death, the actress’ family members requested “donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library … in lieu of flowers.”
The organization, which has gifted more than 300 million books since its inception, will continue to run in Parton’s absence.
Similarly, her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will “go on … as Dolly wanted.”
Eugene Naughton, President of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, clarified in an Instagram statement, “While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”
