Dolly Parton, who passed away yesterday, leaves behind a lasting legacy in Missouri through her work promoting childhood literacy.
Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995, mailing free, age-appropriate books to children under five.
Missouri became the first state to fully fund the program in 2023, making every child under five eligible.
The program distributed more than one million books in Missouri from 2023 to 2024.
Local libraries say the program has helped families build home libraries and prepare children for kindergarten.
Funding was reduced earlier this year, but children already enrolled will continue receiving books as funding allows.