Lindsey Westerfield, Community Engagement Coordinator for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky, said she had just finished a meeting and was sitting at her computer when State Director Libbie Suttles called with the news that Dolly had passed away.
Westerfield described the moment she received the call.
Westerfield had the privilege of meeting Dolly two years ago this month during an event in Lexington celebrating the Imagination Library’s statewide coverage in Kentucky.
Westerfield said she shook Dolly’s hand and thanked her for everything she had done for families everywhere, including those in Russell County. Although the encounter was brief, Westerfield said Dolly was “the real deal.”
Dolly created the Imagination Library to honor her father and help ensure that every child—regardless of income, background or where they live—would have books at home to read, enjoy and learn from.
On the afternoon of Dolly’s passing, Westerfield participated in a call with Dollywood Foundation officials. She said officials emphasized that the foundation and Imagination Library were built to continue operating indefinitely following Dolly’s death.
Interest in the program has already increased. Westerfield said Kentucky’s Imagination Library received approximately 3,000 new registrations during the first 48 hours after Dolly’s passing.
When asked whether commemorative books, special events or other tributes could be planned, Westerfield said that is very likely as people across Kentucky, the nation and the world consider ways to give back and honor Dolly’s life and legacy.