Dolly Parton’s death spurs growth in Williamsburg Imagination Library

It’s Sept. 25 --Dolly Parton would have joked, “9 to 5” -- the one month anniversary of her death. Imagination Library use is soaring locally, says sponsor. Triangle home sales outperform state.

Library founder Kyle DeGood and Catherine-Hale Elliott, community engagement coordinator, pose with Dollly Parton cutout. DeGood reads to chilren. (Kyle DeGood photos)

Local enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library project soared after her death a month ago today, according to the founder of the Williamsburg project.

“It has exploded since her passing,” said Kyle DeGood. “We’ve enrolled ...over 1,100 children in the past month.”

The Dollywood Foundation announced a “Give Like Dolly Day” for Sept. 25 to support the program -- a playful nod to her famous hit and movie “9 to 5.”

DeGood opened the Williamsburg branch in February 2025.