Dolly Parton Bringing Comfort To Kids Across U.S. With Bedtime Stories
By Amanda Jackson, CNN
(CNN/KDKA) -- Parents working nine to five -- now from home, amid the coronavirus pandemic -- will soon get some help in entertaining their kids, thanks to country music superstar Dolly Parton.
The nine-time Grammy winner said beginning this Thursday, she will read bedtime stories to children in a new virtual series called "Goodnight with Dolly."
Each week, Parton will read a new book selected from the Imagination Library, her book gifting program which mails free books to children.
"This is something I have been wanting to do for quite a while, but the timing never felt quite right," Parton said in a statement on the program's website. "I think it is pretty clear that now is the time to share a story and to share some love."
Parton's Imagination Library came to Pittsburgh in May of last year through a $250,000 grant.
"Any child in the city under five [is eligible]," Dan Gilman, Mayor Bill Peduto's chief of staff, said last year. "And once you sign up and you're verified as a city resident for the next five years, every month, they'll be a book in your mailbox for your child."
The new, free reading to children 10-week series will kick off with a reading of "The Little Engine That Could," a book that has been a source of inspiration for Parton.
"Dolly hopes this series of stories will provide comfort and reassurance to coping kids and families during the shelter-in-place mandates," according to the news release announcing the series.
Parton's storytime will be streamed on Facebook every Thursday at 7 p.m.
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