08/25/2026
I’ve known who Dolly Parton was for as long as I can remember, but I’ll admit, I wasn't much of a country music fan growing up—I mostly stuck to the radio hits of the day. My perspective really shifted in 2007, when I was fortunate enough to be asked to join the board of directors for the St. Augustine chapter of her Imagination Library after leaving the State Attorney’s Office.
It was a humbling introduction to a program that truly embodies the idea of giving back. Dolly’s vision was simple but profound: to make sure every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to books. It’s such a powerful, generous concept. It really made me stop and think about the impact a single book can have on a child’s imagination.
I never had the honor of meeting her, but her dedication to children she’ll never meet is deeply moving. It’s a quiet, powerful kind of kindness that stays with you. The world is a much better place because of people like Dolly, and I’m just grateful I had the chance to play a small part in her mission.