United Way of Northern Arizona — Thank you, Dolly

On Tuesday, we experienced a moment of collective heartbreak with the passing of Dolly Parton.

In addition to losing a talented singer, songwriter, actress, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, we also are in mourning for the woman who seemed to transcend an increasingly divided world. Several years ago, The New York Times famously captured her near universal appeal in a story headlined “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”

United Way of Northern Arizona is proud to be a partner in one of her most impactful philanthropic efforts – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Through this program, funded by your donations, more than 1700 children under the age of five in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties receive a free book each month to foster a love of reading.

Dolly’s family has asked that those wishing to honor her make a gift to The Imagination Library and we can’t think of a better way to carry her legacy forward right here in northern Arizona.

“Before he passed away, my Daddy told me the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done,” she said. “I can’t tell you how much that meant to me because I created the Imagination Library as a tribute to my Daddy.”

The Imagination Library grew quickly, however, primarily through partnerships with organizations like UWNA. Now, it distributes more than 3 million books each month in five countries, and it is estimated that 1 in 7 children under the age of 5 in the U.S. receives a book in the mail each month from the program.

Dolly gave generously to many causes – from medical research to disaster relief – but we know that The Imagination Library held a special place in her heart. While our hearts are incredibly sad right now, we are more inspired than ever to continue this important mission and support the work that is part of Dolly’s remarkable legacy.

Thank you for your support of The Imagination Library and for helping ensure a brighter future for children in northern Arizona.

And Dolly, thank you for your belief that children should dream more, learn more, care more, and be more. Thank you for The Imagination Library. We will always love you.