In a public statement, Dolly Parton criticized Indiana lawmakers for excluding state funding for her Imagination Library—a child literacy program. Parton highlighted that the defunding would jeopardize the program that has been pivotal in improving child literacy, while Democratic lawmakers and local officials voiced concerns about the disservice to the community.

Dolly Parton has publicly called on Republican Governor Mike Braun to reverse a budget decision that would cut funding for her widely praised Imagination Library. The plea comes amid controversy linked to policies such as Trump’s controversial book ban, and underscores her commitment to protecting educational and cultural initiatives against censorship.

A proposed budget bill in Indiana would eliminate state funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program, jeopardizing a longstanding initiative that has improved child literacy across all 92 counties. Despite the program's progressive impact, Dolly Parton has not publicly addressed the proposed funding cut.

Dolly Parton, the iconic country music figure and philanthropist behind the Imagination Library, has publicly urged Indiana GOP lawmakers to reconsider a budget proposal that would cut funding for her literacy program, which provides free books to thousands of children. Her intervention highlights a commitment to protecting community services against politically driven austerity measures.

Dolly Parton, known primarily as a country music icon and philanthropist, issued a rare political statement calling out Indiana Governor Mike Braun for excluding her Imagination Library program from the state budget. The statement emphasized that every child deserves the chance to dream big and succeed, urging lawmakers to restore the funding match essential for the program’s operation.

Dolly Parton called on Indiana Governor Mike Braun to reconsider the decision to cut funding for her Imagination Library initiative, arguing that the program is essential for providing free, high-quality books to children and uniting communities across political divides.

On February 19, 2025, a representative for Dolly Parton released a statement urging Indiana Governor Mike Braun to restore state funding for her Imagination Library program. The program, which provides free age-appropriate books to thousands of children each month and is a longstanding community resource, is at risk due to proposed budget cuts driven by GOP policies. This public statement is a strong stand against politically motivated defunding that undermines inclusive, community-driven initiatives.

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024, Dolly Parton made a $1 million personal donation to relief efforts, while her affiliated Dollywood added an additional $1 million to support recovery through The Mountain Ways Foundation. This act of philanthropy, celebrated by supporters who also initiated a petition to rename Nashville International Airport in her honor, underscores her role as a community leader and counterweight to divisive political narratives.