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Dolly Parton’s final wish: Why country music icon wanted to be remembered as ‘the book lady’
26th August, 2026 08:27 AM
Country music icon Dolly Parton died aged 80 on August 25, 2026, leaving behind a career that stretched across music, film and business. But beyond the songs and awards, Parton had always been clear about the part of her work she wanted people to remember most.
For Parton, that was her work with children through the Imagination Library, a programme she started in 1995 to give young children free books. The programme was created in honour of her father, Robert Lee Parton, who could not read or write.
In a 2020 documentary, The Library That Dolly Built, Parton explained why the programme was so personal to her.
“Of all the things I’ve done in my life, and it’s been a lot because I’ve been around a long time, this is one of the most precious things and the proudest I’ve been of any programme I’ve ever been involved in,” Parton said.
Why Dolly wanted to be ‘the book lady’
Parton became known among children as “the book lady”, a name she embraced more than her status as a country music star. She said her father lived long enough to hear children call her by the name, something that meant a great deal to her.
When asked whether she preferred being remembered as the country music queen or the book lady, Parton chose the latter without hesitation.
“The book lady,” she said. “I have loved doing this for the kids.”
The programme grew far beyond the small project she started in Tennessee. By late 2025, the Imagination Library had given more than 300 million books to children, with the programme continuing to expand its reach.
Parton’s life with Carl Dean
Away from her public career, Parton was married to Carl Dean for almost 60 years. The couple married in 1966 after meeting when Parton was 18, and Dean largely stayed away from the spotlight.
Dean died in March 2025 aged 82. Following his death, Parton described their long relationship as one that was difficult to put into words.
“Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years,” she said.
The couple did not have children, something Parton once connected to her decision to devote much of her time to helping other people’s children. “I didn’t have children because I believed that God didn’t mean for me to have kids, so everybody’s kids could be mine,” she told Oprah Winfrey in 2020.
What Dolly wanted to leave behind
Parton’s death came after a brief battle with cancer, according to a statement from her team. She died peacefully at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville surrounded by loved ones. A small private service is planned for immediate family.
Although she continued working and supporting causes close to her heart, Parton had already spoken clearly about the legacy she wanted to leave. Her final wishes cannot be known beyond what she had publicly shared, but her words about the Imagination Library offer a clear picture of what mattered to her.
“I’ve made sacrifices, but I believe what I know I’m supposed to do,” she said.
For a woman whose voice filled concert halls around the world, Parton hoped the lasting sound of her life would also be found in children turning the pages of books.
