Top Tennessee lawmakers commit to funding Dolly Parton's Imagination Library statewide

State of play: Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 in Sevier County. The program exploded in popularity through the years, sending over 304 million free books.

Fun fact: As of 2025, nearly 70% of Tennessee children are enrolled in the program, according to a press release from Sexton's office.

Yes, but: The literacy initiative has faced funding cuts in other places.

• The price tag of funding the program statewide is estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million depending on how many local communities participate, Sexton's spokesperson tells Axios.

What he's saying: "There is no better way to honor her extraordinary legacy than to ensure every single Tennessee child, in every county and in every community, continues to have access to the Imagination Library for generations to come," Sexton said in a statement.