Dolly Parton’s final letter to children graduating her Imagination Library program has gone viral since her death.
The country music icon, who died at 80 on Tuesday, launched the free book program in 1995. Monthly books were sent to kids in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland and Australia until they turned 5.
Parton reflected on “how time flies” in her letter to each “Imagination Library Graduate,” She wrote, “It seems it was only yesterday when your family and friends read you your first story. You were just a baby. Now you’re 5 years old and about to go to school. How exciting!”
“This may be your last book from my Imagination Library, but you have to promise me you will keep on reading,” she continued. “If you go to your local public library, you will find a great number of books just for kids your age.”
The Grammy winner called “every book… A treasure,” gushing, “Every time you open one up you will meet new friends and take wonderful journeys to magical places.”
Parton concluded by urging the little ones to “remember the lessons [her] family taught” her. She advised, “Dream big dreams; learn everything you can learn; and care for all those who care for you. You do all of these things and you can be anyone you want to be. You are terrific.”
She signed off with a reference to her hit 1974 song, writing, “Remember… I Will Always Love You, Dolly.”
Children received “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!” as their final book in the program. Each kid started with a copy of “The Little Engine That Could.”
While announcing Parton’s death, the actress’ family members requested “donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library… In lieu of flowers.” The organization, which has gifted more than 300 million books since its inception, will continue to run in Parton’s absence.
Similarly, her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will “go on… As Dolly wanted.”
Eugene Naughton, President of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, clarified in an Instagram statement, “While we grieve her loss, we are honored and committed to carry her light forward. Her legacy will continue to shine in every melody sung, every smile shared and every dream kindled within these gates.”
The Imagination Library will continue mailing books to enrolled children across its five countries of operation.