John Swinney has stated he is "deeply saddened" following the death of country music star Dolly Parton.
After the singer’s passing was announced by her family on Tuesday evening, the First Minister shared condolences on X, praising her charity work distributing books to children globally, including in Scotland.
In April, the Scottish Government revealed plans to partner with The Dollywood Foundation, the artist’s non-profit organisation focused on advancing literacy and education among young people.
Her charity currently operates in several regions across Scotland, including Dundee, Fife, Renfrewshire and Helensburgh.
On X, Mr Swinney said: “Deeply saddened by the news of Dolly Parton’s death.
“In Scotland, her Imagination Library inspired a love of reading and provided thousands of free books for children.
“Her warmth, generosity and her music were truly one of a kind. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Deeply saddened by the news of Dolly Parton’s death.
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) August 25, 2026
In Scotland, her Imagination Library inspired a love of reading and provided thousands of free books for children.
Her warmth, generosity and her music were truly one of a kind. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Parton founded The Imagination Library in 1995 to hand out books to children living in Sevier County, Tennessee, where she grew up.
It was rolled out nationally in 2000 following its success in Tennessee and three years later the programme had mailed one million books to children around the US.
The Library of Congress in Washington DC, which claims to be the world’s largest library, said the singer was a “titan of children’s literacy” in a tribute posted on X.
The library said Parton visited it in 2018 to donate its 100 millionth book to their collection and host a story time.
US secretary of education Linda McMahon also paid tribute to Parton, writing on X: “Her music, storytelling, and generous spirit enriched American culture for generations.”
She added: “Through her Imagination Library, she placed millions of books into the hands of young children and helped spark a lifelong love of reading.”
The programme, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025, also launched in Canada in 2006, Australia in 2013 and the Republic of Ireland in 2019.
Ms Parton was known for hits including 9 To 5, I will Always Love You, and Jolene.
Her nephew, Brian Seaver, announced her death on Instagram on Tuesday evening.
Her death followed the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025.
