Renfrewshire is preparing to mark its first official Dolly Parton Day next month, a celebration approved by councillors weeks before the country music legend's death at the age of 80.
The event will take place on September 25 and was confirmed by Renfrewshire Council on July 15, recognising the impact of Dolly's Imagination Library on children and families across the area.
Milestone of 230,000 books
The announcement came as Renfrewshire reached a major milestone with the Imagination Library, revealing that more than 230,000 books had been given to young children through the programme since it began.
The Imagination Library was set up by the singer in 1995 as a book gifting programme that posts free, age-appropriate books every month to children until the age of five. Renfrewshire is the first council in Scotland to offer the scheme to all children aged between two and five, with youngsters eligible if they live in the area or attend a nursery within it.
Funding for the programme was made permanent as part of the council's budget commitments in March 2025, allowing the scheme to continue supporting children across the region. The initiative aims to improve literacy among young children by encouraging them to read from an early age and helping to develop a lifelong love of books and stories.
Provost's tribute to Dolly's legacy
The decision to introduce an official Dolly Parton Day was put forward by Renfrewshire's Provost Lorraine Cameron at a council meeting in July, where she highlighted the impact the singer's literacy initiative had already made locally.
Councillor Lorraine Cameron, Provost of Renfrewshire, said: "Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has made a real difference to Renfrewshire's children. It helps them develop a love of reading and engage in stories with their parents and carers.
"Passing the 230,000 books milestone is a significant achievement. This programme sets children up for a lifelong love of reading. We've seen the positive impact it has on children's learning. That's why we made the commitment to permanently fund the programme."
She added: "Having an official day to celebrate this programme is wonderful. Renfrewshire nurseries have fully embraced the programme and are fervent supporters. I look forward to seeing their celebrations take place."
Celebration after singer's death
The September celebrations now take on added significance following the news that Dolly died aged 80 on Tuesday, August 25, after a brief battle with cancer. Her representatives confirmed her death in a statement to PEOPLE, praising the singer for a life and career dedicated to bringing "joy, laughter, hope and integrity" to those around her.
In Renfrewshire, preparations for the celebration were already well underway, with the official Dolly Parton Day having been agreed more than a month before her death. The September 25 event will provide an opportunity for the community to celebrate the lasting legacy of Dolly's work with the Imagination Library and the difference it has made to local children and families.
