Dolly Parton's final note to the children in her Imagination Library has been revealed
Prior to her passing, Dolly Parton penned one final letter to the children enrolled at her Imagination Library, reminding them to 'dream big'.
The country music star set up the education program in 1995 through her charity, The Dollywood Foundation.
She was inspired by her own father, Robert Lee Parton, who grew up unable to read or write.
Following several decades of success in the music business, Parton set up the Imagination Library as a means of getting free books to children under the age of five who otherwise wouldn't have had access.
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The initiative started locally in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton's home state, before expanding internationally. It covers the cost of both the books themselves and the postage to have them delivered, regardless of the family's income.
"When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true," the '9 to 5' star once said. "I know there are children in your community with their own dreams.
"They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world."
Nowadays - 30 years after the programme first kicked off - it successfully operates across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland, gifting millions of books every month.
In the months before her death, Parton issued a final graduation message to the children the charity sets out to help, writing: "Dear Imagination Library Graduate, my, how time flies. It seems it was only yesterday when your family and friends read you your first story.
"You were just a baby. Now, you're five years old and about to go to school. How exciting!"
She continued: "This may be your last book from my Imagination Library, but you have to promise me you will keep on reading. If you go to your local public library, you will find a great number of books just for kids your age.
"Every book is a treasure and every time you open one up you will meet new friends and take wonderful journeys to magical places."
She told them: "I hope you have a great time in school. I bet your school will even have a library where you check out books. You and all of your friends are very special. There is no limit for what you can do or how far you can go.
"Just remember the lessons my family taught me - dream big dreams, learn everything you can learn; and care for all those who care for you."
Parton went on to tell them: "You do all of these things and you can be anyone you want to be.
"You are terrific, and remember... I Will Always Love You, Dolly."
Parton died last week (25 August), surrounded by her loved ones, as per a statement shared by her representatives.
They confirmed the musician had endured a 'brief battle' with cancer before her death, aged 80, and had been admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville the Thursday prior.
"Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," the message continued.
Representatives of the Dollywood Company have pledged to continue Parton's legacy and will keep sending books to children via the Imagination Library in her absence
Rhianna Benson