"We lost just an amazing person. Somebody that we got to know a little personally," Wilmington Mayor John Carney said.
In 2022, Parton visited the Wilmington Public Library to highlight her signature literacy initiative, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which is available statewide in Delaware.
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The free program mails books each month to children from birth through age 5 with the goal of encouraging a lifelong love of reading.
Parton created the program in honor of her father, who was unable to read or write.
"She's such a warm and loving spirit," Carney said. "I think part of it is where she came from and how she worked her way up. She never let stardom get to her."
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Carney, who was serving as Delaware's governor during Parton's visit, said more than 20,000 children across the state were enrolled in the program at one point.
Parton often spoke about the importance of giving children opportunities to dream and learn through books.
"Early literacy really is a critical thing in terms of success at school and ultimately success in life," Carney said.
Through the Imagination Library, Parton's impact continues to reach families across Delaware and around the world.