Dolly Parton passes away, prompting tributes from across the globe
Dolly Parton, the renowned country music star, has died, drawing heartfelt reactions from fans and officials alike, including Scottish First Minister John Swinney, who expressed that he is “deeply saddened” by her passing, reports BritPanorama.
The announcement of Parton’s death came on Tuesday evening from her family. In a statement on X, Swinney highlighted her significant contributions to literacy through her charity work, particularly through the distribution of books to children in various regions, including Scotland.
In April, the Scottish Government revealed plans to partner with The Dollywood Foundation to advance education and literacy initiatives for young people, a testament to Parton’s impact.
Her charity, the Imagination Library, operates in various areas across Scotland, including Dundee, Fife, Renfrewshire, and Helensburgh, distributing thousands of free books to children.
On X, Mr. Swinney remarked: “Deeply saddened by the news of Dolly Parton’s death. In Scotland, her Imagination Library inspired a love of reading and provided thousands of free books for children. Her warmth, generosity and her music were truly one of a kind. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Parton founded The Imagination Library in 1995, initially serving children in Sevier County, Tennessee. The programme expanded nationally in 2000, achieving remarkable success by delivering over one million books within just three years.
The Library of Congress in Washington, DC, referred to her as a “titan of children’s literacy” in a tribute shared on X. The library recalled Parton’s visit in 2018, during which she donated the 100 millionth book to their collection.
US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon also paid tribute on X, stating: “Her music, storytelling, and generous spirit enriched American culture for generations. Through her Imagination Library, she placed millions of books into the hands of young children and helped spark a lifelong love of reading.”
The Imagination Library celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 and has launched in Canada, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland over the years.
Parton is celebrated for numerous hits, including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You, and Jolene. Her passing comes shortly after that of her husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025.
In death, as in life, Dolly Parton’s legacy continues to resonate deeply, both through her music and her unwavering commitment to education and literacy for the youngest generations.
