Dolly Parton’s determination to help children discover a love of reading was inspired by her father, whose difficult upbringing in Appalachia prevented him from completing school or learning to read and write.

Parton, who died this week aged 80, launched the Imagination Library in 1995 to honour her father and provide young children with free books. What began as a local literacy initiative eventually expanded to reach millions of children around the world.

The programme sends books directly to children’s homes, helping families introduce reading from an early age regardless of their financial circumstances or access to libraries.

Its impact has been felt by families across different countries. One child in Denver reportedly called Parton “The Book Queen”, while another in Alabama referred to her as “Ms Dolly”. In Australia, the family of a toddler with speech delays said she spoke the word “orange” after receiving a book about colours through the programme.

Parton frequently spoke about the influence of her father on the project. She described him as the smartest man she had ever known but believed his inability to read prevented him from achieving some of his dreams.

That experience turned children’s literacy into a personal mission for the country music star. Through the Imagination Library, Parton transformed her father’s experience into a global initiative designed to give new generations greater opportunities through books and reading.