Dolly Parton's Literacy Legacy Reaches Kane County Children - Flags at Half-Staff
Two Kane County organizations have helped bring Dolly Parton's commitment to early childhood literacy to thousands of local families through her Imagination Library program.
Parton, who was a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist, died on Aug. 25, 2026 at the age of 80.
In Kane County, the Batavia United Way and Fox Valley United Way administer Parton's Imagination Library, that mails a free book every month to registered children from birth until they turn 5. The program was inspired by her father's inability to read or write.
According to Batavia United Way, more than 23,000 books have been given to children in Batavia since the organization partnered with the Imagination Library in 2023.
Fox Valley United Way administers the program throughout much of the rest of Kane County and, since 2025, has registered more almost 6,000 children.
Tricia Hoover, Community Impact & Administration Manager with Fox Valley United Way, said the beloved program continues to make an impact, and the organization is proud to help carry on Dolly Parton’s legacy of promoting childhood literacy.
Parents interested in registering their children for the program can use the following links.
Fox Valley United Way – (for Kane County residents) https://www.foxvalleyunitedway.org/dolly-partons-imagination-library
Batavia United Way - (for Batavia residents only) https://bataviaunitedway.org/imagination_library/
In honor and remembrance of Dolly Parton, U.S. and Illinois flags at government buildings have been ordered to be flown at half-staff from sunrise Wednesday, Aug. 26, through sunset Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026.
