Dolly Parton has worn a lot of hats over her career — chart-topping singer, songwriter, actress and, for one memorable evening, CBeebies storyteller. Joining a star-studded lineup of celebrity readers that included Tom Hardy, Sir Patrick Stewart, David Hasselhoff, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Damian Lewis, David Tennant, Simon Pegg, Lulu and Isla Fisher, Dolly took her turn on CBeebies Bedtime Stories on Wednesday, October 25th, as part of the channel’s nightly bedtime hour.
Sign up for our free newsletter, stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. PS — did we mention it’s free?
The Story She Read
For her bedtime story slot, Dolly read Dog Loves Books, written and illustrated by Louise Yates — a gentle, funny tale for young readers about a book-loving dog who opens his own bookshop.
You might also enjoy: Top Tips to Encourage a Reluctant Reader
Watch the Trailer
Dolly Parton the Literacy Champion
Alongside her music — think Jolene and 9 to 5 — Dolly Parton is a lifelong advocate for childhood literacy. Back in 1995, she founded her own charity, Imagination Library, to give children free books and help foster a love of reading from an early age.
The charity began small, sending age-appropriate books to children local to Dolly’s home in East Tennessee. Within five years it had grown to a nationwide programme, and it has since expanded internationally. By the time Dolly appeared on CBeebies, more than 80 million books had already been sent out through Imagination Library, with roughly a million more going out to children each month at that point — and the programme has continued to grow steadily since then.
You might also like: Meet Thomas the Tank Engine’s New Female Characters
A Story Worth Remembering
Celebrity bedtime story readings are always a treat, and Dolly Parton’s turn on CBeebies remains a lovely one to look back on — not least because of the charity work behind it. Which celebrity would you love to see read a bedtime story next? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What book did Dolly Parton read on CBeebies Bedtime Stories?
Dolly Parton read Dog Loves Books, written and illustrated by Louise Yates, as part of the CBeebies bedtime hour.
What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Imagination Library is a charity Dolly Parton founded in 1995 to send free, age-appropriate books to children to encourage a love of reading. It began in her home area of East Tennessee and has since grown into an international programme.
How can my child get free books through Imagination Library?
Availability depends on where you live, as the programme partners with local affiliates in different regions. Visit the official Imagination Library website to check whether the programme runs in your area and how to sign up.
Who else has read CBeebies Bedtime Stories?
Over the years, CBeebies Bedtime Stories has featured a long list of well-known faces, including Tom Hardy, Sir Patrick Stewart, David Hasselhoff, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Damian Lewis, David Tennant, Simon Pegg, Lulu and Isla Fisher.
More Family Reading Ideas
Loved this? You might also enjoy Top Tips to Encourage a Reluctant Reader and Meet Thomas the Tank Engine’s New Female Characters for more family reading and screen-time inspiration.
Fancy more ideas like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly family activity ideas, competitions and offers — no spam, just useful stuff for busy parents.
