Letter to the Editor - Sept. 2, 2026

To the Editor,

The passing of Dolly Parton marks the loss of an extraordinary entertainer, philanthropist, and champion for children. While millions will remember her for her music, many families in Brookings County know her through a different legacy: helping children discover the joy of reading. Dolly Parton dedicated much of her life to improving literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that has provided millions of free books to young children around the world.

Brookings Area United Way is proud to serve as the local partner for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Brookings County. Through this program, children from birth to age five receive a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book delivered directly to their home each month at no cost to their family. Today, 1,102 children in Brookings County receive a book every month through the program, and 4,385 local children have graduated from the program upon reaching age five. These books help build vocabulary, strengthen early literacy skills, and create opportunities for parents and caregivers to read with their children.

For more than 25 years, the program has made a lasting difference in our community. Thousands of local children have benefited from receiving books through the Imagination Library, helping them enter school better prepared to succeed. Dolly understood that something as simple as a book could open doors, inspire dreams, and change the trajectory of a child’s life.

As we reflect on her remarkable legacy, there is a meaningful way for our community to honor her memory. Donations to the Brookings Area United Way help ensure that every child in Brookings County can continue receiving free books each month. By supporting the program, donors are investing in literacy, education, and the future success of local children.

Dolly Parton’s legacy was built on generosity, kindness, and a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Though she may be gone, her impact will continue through every book delivered and every child inspired to read. We invite our community to honor Dolly’s life by helping us continue this important work for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Heidi Gullickson
Executive Director
Brookings Area United Way