Today, we at GEEARS are mourning Dolly Parton’s passing and feeling tremendous gratitude for the many gifts she gave the world—including her spectacular investment in early literacy.

For the past 31 years, Dolly’s Imagination Library has mailed free, high-quality books to more than 300 million children, ages birth through five. “The seeds of dreams are found in books,” she said. “And the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.” We agree wholeheartedly. Thank you, Dolly. Your care for young children, and your wisdom about the value of early literacy, has truly changed the world. ♥️