Dolly Parton's dad Lee inspired Dolly’s nonprofit Imagination Library, which has given more than 200 million books to children all over the world helping little ones learn to read03:15, 26 Aug 2026Dolly Parton's dad once told her "he Imagination Library was probably the most important thing [she] had ever done," according to staff at the Imagination Library.‌In a statement shared with The Mirror on August 26, representatives for the country star confirmed that the “Jolene” singer’s death at 80 on Tuesday followed a “brief battle with cancer.”‌The statement read: "Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.‌“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."The country music legend grew up as one of 12 children of Robert Lee (who went by Lee) and Avie Lee Parton in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.‌Over the years, Dolly found ways to pay tribute to her parents, Lee and Avie Lee, who died in 2000 and 2003, respectively. In fact, Lee inspired Dolly’s nonprofit Imagination Library, which has given more than 200 million books to children all over the world.It was launched in 1995 to help young children learn how to read.‌Staff at the Imagination Library have taken to social media to share a touching tribute following the tragic news of Dolly's death. In their post they touch upon Dolly's proud dad.Taking to X staff wrote: "Our team, our local program partners, and every operational partner who helps make this program possible each month are heartbroken at the loss of our founder, Dolly Parton."She was always proud that her little program grew into what it is today. She was proudest of what it meant to her Dad. In her own words: "My Daddy told me the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done."‌"The world grieves with us today. And yet we find ourselves just as certain about what comes next. For decades,Dolly & the team at The Dollywood Foundation — home of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library — worked to build something that would last for generations. So it will."The work ahead has never felt more meaningful, and we will carry it forward as she lifts us all up. Dolly, we will always love you."Article continues belowIn an open letter on the Imagination Library’s website Dolly said: “Before he passed away, my Daddy told me the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done.“I can’t tell you how much that meant to me because I created the Imagination Library as a tribute to my Daddy. He was the smartest man I have ever known but I know in my heart his inability to read probably kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams.”Follow our live blog for the latest Dolly Parton tributes and updates by clicking here.