PORT CHARLOTTE — Dolly Parton left a legacy that embodied much more than music, including an inspiration for a Charlotte County organization dedicated to child literacy.
Parton, who died Tuesday at her home in Nashville at the age of 80, was well known for her singing, her songwriting, her vivacious personality and her business sense.
She also was revered for her philanthropy.
She started the nonprofit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995 to gift children free books of their own. It started in her hometown in Sevier County, Tennessee, then expanded into multiple affiliates across the country and internationally — including one in Charlotte County.
Shawn Gilstad, founder of the Gilstad Literary Foundation, first met Parton at the age of 13 near his home in East Tennessee. He spoke to Parton many times in his life.
“She was always active in the community and always out in Dollywood,” said Gilstad, who grew up near Knoxville. “We all wished she was a member of our family.”
When Gilstad moved to Charlotte County and opened his own salon, he hosted a fundraiser for the grand opening and saved $5,000 to donate to the local chapter of the Imagination Library.
That’s when he learned Southwest Florida did not have the nonprofit. He wasn’t sure what to do.
After calling Parton, Gilstad was inspired to start an affiliate in Charlotte County. He teamed with another existing nonprofit, the Charlotte Players, and its executive director at the time, Sherrie Moody. The two worked to get the project started.
In March 2012, Charlotte County Imagination Library became a reality.
“She was always proud when someone was willing and able to start a program,” Gilstad said of Parton.
Books began arriving each month to families throughout the community.
When a family signs a child up, they get a book each month until they reach the age of 5. The books are the child’s own. Hundreds signed up, then thousands.
According to Gilstad, as of 2026, the Charlotte County affiliate has mailed 267,027 books to local families.
He said nearly 13,000 children have graduated from the program so far.
Although Parton could not visit each of the affiliate programs in person, Gilstad said she would support them whenever possible.
“She would give media statements when needed, and she would give autographed items for donors,” Gilstad said. “She always knew she would not be around forever. She wanted us to be strong and be able to run it independently.”
Gilstad said Parton inspired him to contribute to his new community in Florida.
“She inspired me to be a better person, to do the right thing, to help people and to run Imagination Library,” Gilstad said. “She inspired all of us to dream, and she believed that every person who works hard enough toward it can achieve it.”
Gilstad said he was in tears Tuesday when he heard the news that Parton died.
“I’m completely heartbroken; a piece of me is gone,” Gilstad said. “I was supposed to see Dolly in December at New York. I haven’t seen her since July.”
Gilstad will continue operation of the library.
“She cared about every one of us and all the programs,” Gilstad said. “We’re going to keep going and keep dreaming like she’d want us to. We will do the best we can to keep her legacy and dream alive.”
For more information about Charlotte County Imagination Library and the Gilstad Literary Foundation, visit: