Senate Joint Resolution 50, sponsored by Massey, commemorates the thirtieth anniversary of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program she founded in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee. The initiative aims to foster a love of reading among children by providing them with age-appropriate books each month from birth to age five. Since its inception, the program has expanded significantly, now serving children in all fifty states and several countries, and has gifted over 260 million books. The resolution highlights the positive impact of the program on children's literacy, noting that participants are better prepared for kindergarten and perform better in reading assessments.
The resolution expresses gratitude to Dolly Parton for her philanthropic efforts and the lasting legacy of the Imagination Library, which has touched millions of lives worldwide. It acknowledges her compassionate spirit and contributions to education and literacy, celebrating her as a beloved figure in Tennessee and beyond. The resolution concludes with a formal recognition of her work and a commitment to honor her generosity in helping others.