Dolly Parton thanked for inspiring Scots children to love books

A Scottish council has credited Dolly Parton, who has died at the age of 80, with inspiring a love of reading among children in its area.

Renfrewshire Council said the country music star's Imagination Library had helped to put books in the hands of some of its youngest children.

The local authority announced in March it would dedicate a day to Parton every year to mark the impact of her reading scheme. Its first Dolly Parton Day is due to take place on 25 September.

The Imagination Library supplies children aged two to five with free books, and the Scottish launch of the literacy initiative was held in Wigtown in 2008.

Parton died on Tuesday after a "brief battle with cancer", her management team has said.

She is famous for songs such as Jolene and 9 to 5 as well as her philanthropy.

Renfrewshire's provost Lorraine Cameron, who saw Parton perform in Glasgow in 2011, said the singer had touched lives across the world through her music and reading scheme.

"Here in Renfrewshire, we have seen first-hand the wonderful impact of that vision," said Cameron.

"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."

Cameron added: "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."

Tribute has also been paid to Parton in Wigtown - Scotland's national book town.

She chose Galloway for the Scottish launch of her Imagination Library literacy scheme almost 20 years ago.

The scheme was run by the Wigtown Festival Company (WFC) which organises the annual 10-day book festival and works year-round to promote literacy and a love of reading among children.

Isla Rosser-Owen, WFC chief executive, said: "Dolly Parton recognised that one of the greatest gifts a young child can be given is the chance to develop a love of reading.

"It can make the critical difference to their prospects and attainment in later life – and she wanted to see every child have the opportunity to thrive.

"As an organisation that works year-round to encourage reading among children and young people we were enormously pleased when her campaign chose to work with Wigtown and are deeply saddened by her death."