COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The people of Ohio may soon be able to show their love for country music legend Dolly Parton while supporting childhood literacy, thanks to the Ohio Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 290.

The legislation, championed by Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), would create a special “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” license plate, with proceeds benefiting the singer’s statewide book distribution program. Parton started the Imagination Library to promote literacy; it provides one free book a month to kids up to five years old and has been in Ohio since 2019.

“I am proud to have the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library license plate pass unanimously out of the Senate,” said Antonio in a news release. “As a parent and former educator, I have been pleased to work with the governor on this important piece of legislation that will benefit children across the state. I also want to thank Ohio’s First Lady Fran DeWine for championing this program.”

(Photo Courtesy: Ohio Senate)

The license plate, featuring Dolly Parton’s likeness and the Imagination Library logo, will cost $25, with funds directed to cover operational expenses like book distribution. The program has shown tangible benefits, with a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital study reporting a 15.4% increase in Kindergarten Readiness Assessment scores among participating children over three years. Antonio noted that this aligns with Gov. Mike DeWine’s focus on early childhood education, as highlighted in his State of the State Address.

State Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin) also voiced support for the bill, emphasizing its impact on childhood literacy.

“Readers are leaders,” said Kunze in a separate new release. “The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a wonderful program that I have supported for years. This legislation brings awareness to child literacy, and I am grateful to Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio for bringing this bill to committee. I look forward to seeing these plates on vehicles across the Buckeye State in the future.”

With bipartisan backing, SB 290 now moves to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration. If passed before its session is over at the end of December, Ohio drivers will have the chance to both celebrate an American icon and help lay the foundation for lifelong learning among the state’s youngest residents.