Renfrewshire’s Provost pays tribute to Dolly Parton

Provost Cameron said: “There are many of us who are bereft at the news of Dolly Parton’s passing. Her presence was so powerful and I had the great honour of witnessing that when I saw her perform in Glasgow in 2011. 

“What I have witnessed since news of her passing broke yesterday are people taking great comfort in reflecting on the extraordinary good she has done in the world. Dolly has left this place better than she found it – and what a legacy she leaves behind. 

“Through her Imagination Library, Dolly inspired a love of books and reading in millions of children across the globe, giving children the precious gift of having a book of their very own arrive through their letterbox. 

“Here in Renfrewshire, we have seen first-hand the wonderful impact of that vision. The Imagination Library has helped put books into the hands of our youngest children, encouraging curiosity, imagination and a lifelong love of reading. It is about so much more than books – it is about opportunity, confidence and giving every child the best possible start. 

“On 25 September, we will celebrate our very first ‘Dolly Parton Day’ in Renfrewshire – a day to have a bit of fun, celebrate reading, celebrate children and, most importantly, celebrate Dolly and the difference she has made to so many lives. 

“Thank you, Dolly, for helping us all imagine a better world – one book, and one child, at a time.” 

• Funding for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library was made permanent in the Renfrewshire Council budget commitments in March 2025, with more than 25 nurseries and childminders now having all their children signed up to the programme.