Ohio Lowers Flags to Honor Dolly Parton’s Impact on State Literacy
Ohio is lowering flags to honor Dolly Parton, who considered the state her "second home." Her Dollywood Foundation's Imagination Library has provided over 28 million free books to children in Ohio since 2019, impacting over a million children. Governor Mike…
Cleveland Akron, OH, August 25, 2026 —
Ohio is lowering its flags in recognition of Dolly Parton, a figure the celebrated entertainer considered her “second home.” This honor reflects the significant impact of her philanthropic efforts, particularly the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library program, which has distributed over 28 million free books to children across the state since 2019.
The Imagination Library initiative has reached more than a million children in Ohio, providing them with early literacy resources. Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine have publicly expressed their strong support for Parton and her literacy program. Their admiration is notable, with the couple even naming their dog after the iconic singer.
Parton herself visited Ohio in 2022 to champion the program, articulating her pride in the widespread positive effect it has had on young readers. Her connection to Ohio is multifaceted, extending beyond her literacy work to include her renowned music career, her theme park ventures, and her 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which took place in Cleveland.
The entertainer maintained personal ties to Ohio, with family members residing in various communities, including Cleveland and Akron. These connections underscore a deeper, long-standing relationship with the state that complements her public contributions.
Story summarized from the original created by Morgan Trau on www.news5cleveland.com, see more information here.
