Central Illinois reacts to death of Dolly Parton

(WAND) - Local organizations and community leaders throughout Illinois are mourning the loss of cultural icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton, celebrating a legacy that reached far beyond her legendary music career.

Parton, whose philanthropic efforts transformed lives worldwide, had a profound impact in central Illinois through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The program has mailed free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, fostering a lifelong love of reading.

The United Way of Central Illinois, which partners with the Imagination Library to serve families, released a statement honoring her contributions to local youth:

“Today we are devastated to learn of the passing of Dolly Parton. Dolly's generosity gave the world so much more than music—through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, she gave thousands of children right here in our community a book of their very own, every single month, before they ever set foot in a classroom. That gift shaped a love of reading in thousands of kids in Sangamon and Menard counties, and it will continue to shape thousands more. We are forever grateful for her beautiful heart, and we will carry her legacy forward in every child who opens one of her books. Rest with the sunshine and amongst the butterflies, Dolly.”

The Chatham Public Library honored the icon on social media for helping make the world "a little brighter."

"Through her lifetime, Dolly Parton has helped put hundreds of millions of books into the hands of children, inspiring generations of young readers and making literacy a lifelong gift.

So put on a little Dolly. Read a book. Sing along. And celebrate a woman whose kindness, talent, and love of literacy touched communities around the world."

The Illinois Department of Agriculture shared on Facebook that Parton performed twice at the Illinois State Fair in 1971 as part of the Grand Ole Opry and in 1978 as a solo artist.

"We’re sad to learn of Dolly Parton’s passing and appreciate the time she spent at our state fairs.

She performed in Springfield at the Illinois State Fair in 1971 as part of the Grand Ole Opry with Jerry Lee Lewis, Porter Wagoner, and Ernest Tubb and again in 1978 as a solo artist.

In 1979, she performed two sold out shows at the DuQuoin State Fair."

The State Farm Center said that Parton performed three times in the Champaign-Urbana area: in October 1977, April 1986 and April 1993.

"Thank you, Dolly Parton, for three unforgettable performances over the decades in our building. May your voice and the memories you created continue to echo through this arena forever.

Our hearts go out to Dolly’s family, friends, and millions of fans around the world mourning the loss of the Queen of Country Music today.

R.I.P. Dolly Parton

January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026"

McLean County Fair Royalty posted to Facebook that Parton performed at the fair in 1974, which helped launch her solo career.

The Champaign County Fair stated that Parton took the stage at the fair in 1968 alongside fellow country music singer Porter Wagoner.

"In 1968, Dolly Parton took the stage at the Champaign County Fair alongside Porter Wagoner — performing on the iconic green stage that still stands here in Memorial Park today.

That stage has been part of our fair’s story since its first performance in 1961, welcoming countless entertainers and generations of fairgoers beneath its roof. Today, knowing Dolly once stood on that very stage makes this little piece of our history feel even more special."

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said in a video message posted to X that Parton "spread her love" by caring for young children through the Dollywood Foundation.

The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts said on Facebook that it will play Parton's music in the lobby Tuesday as a tribute.