Eighteen-year-old Emma Jarman is reflecting on her extraordinary first encounter with Dolly Parton, which took place when she was just one day old. The teenager from England met the country music legend at Rotherham Hospital in 2007, when Parton visited the UK to launch her Imagination Library literacy initiative.Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, September 1, Emma opened up about the surreal encounter and the lasting impact Parton’s initiative had on her childhood. Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80.Emma was the first baby in the UK to receive a book through Parton’s Imagination Library. During her visit to Rotherham Hospital in 2007, Parton met Emma and her parents, Claire and Shane, and even cradled the newborn in her arms.In footage revisited by Good Morning Britain, Parton can be seen walking into the hospital room and asking, “Where’s my baby?” On seeing Emma, she exclaimed, “How tiny. Is that Emma?”After meeting Emma’s parents, Parton congratulated them before looking at the newborn and saying, “You’re going to get a book.”Emma admitted she does not remember the encounter herself but has watched footage of the special moment “a fair few times” over the years.Recalling the meeting, Emma’s mother, Claire, said Parton was “so kind and caring” in the way she handled her daughter and interacted with the family.“She did spend some time with us,” Claire said. “And we did have some lovely chats.”
Emma says Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library had a ‘big impact’ on her
Emma, who is preparing to study biomedical science at university, brought two books she received through the Imagination Library to the Good Morning Britain studio. One of them was The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the first book Parton gave her.The book contained a personal message from Parton to the children enrolled in the programme. Emma also received How to Be a Smartypants, which was among the books given to children as they completed the programme.Speaking about the impact of receiving books from such a young age, Emma said the initiative gave her a strong foundation.“I’d say that this Imagination Library did have quite a big impact because getting to be able to read so much from such an early age, it does just give you the best starting blocks, I believe,” she said.Emma also said Parton’s death was “very sad”, adding that the singer was “such an incredible lady who did so much” and was an advocate for many people.
Emma’s mother recalls Dolly’s humility during the hospital visit
Emma Jarman’s mother Claire recalls Dolly Parton’s warmth and humility during the singer’s 2007 visit to Rotherham Hospital, where she cradled newborn Emma and welcomed her into the Imagination Library.
Claire also spoke about the broader significance of Parton’s literacy initiative and how it affected her family.“Books are expensive and they are so important and it is from that very early age,” she said, explaining that reading also created valuable bonding time between parents and children.Claire praised Parton for using her wealth to give children access to books and said the singer remained humble despite the media attention surrounding her visit.“She was so humble about it as well,” Claire said. “Yes, okay, she came and the press were there and we talked about the story and everything, but she gave to so many people and she just made the most of what she could do.”Emma’s father, Shane, has previously recalled his own reaction to meeting the singer. While he admitted that he was initially “filled with fear” when he saw Parton’s “great big red fingernails” holding his newborn daughter, he was quickly reassured by her warmth.“She walked in the room and it was like there was this energy about her,” Shane told BBC Yorkshire. “She was so calming, really kind, the way she handled Emma was amazing. You couldn’t have asked for better.”He added that Parton was gentle and nurturing with the newborn, carefully supporting her head while talking to her.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues her literacy legacy
Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 through her Dollywood Foundation. The programme provides free, age-appropriate books to enrolled children from birth until they turn five, regardless of their family’s income.Parton was inspired by her father, who was unable to read, and often spoke about how literacy could open doors and create opportunities. The programme eventually expanded beyond the US, with Emma becoming its first UK recipient in 2007.The Rotherham visit was particularly significant because Parton reportedly felt a connection to the area and its working-class roots, which reminded her of where she grew up.
Dollyfest announced to celebrate Dolly Parton’s legacy
Following Parton’s death, her estate has also announced Dollyfest, a two-day celebration planned for Nashville and London across two consecutive weekends in 2027.The event was originally scheduled for January 2026 around Parton’s 80th birthday and was expected to feature the singer as a performer and host. It will now celebrate her life and legacy.“We had the venue booked and we had the announcement ready to go. And then, in August 2025, Dolly had to take a step back after her initial health challenges,” organiser Danny Nozell, founder and CEO of CTK Enterprises, said in a statement.Referencing the phrase “What Would Dolly Do?”, Nozell added, “At this moment, Dollyfest is WDWD (What Dolly Would Do!).”He also said a traditional public memorial would not be held, as it was not something Parton wanted. A private service attended only by immediate family was held on Friday, according to The Associated Press.Parton’s great-niece, Lainey Parton, also shared an emotional tribute following the singer’s death, recalling how Dolly always encouraged her to believe in herself and pursue her dreams.
