Dolly Parton appeals to several different generations, but not all of them are fans of her music.

In a new interview with Closer Weekly, the country icon says her younger fans know her mostly from her work with the Imagination Library, which she founded in 1995.

“We give books to children once a month from the time they’re born to the time they start school,” she explains. “It teaches them to love books.”

Parton was inspired by her father. “My dad couldn’t read or write," she shares. "I saw how crippling that was.”

Imagination Library has so far provided 70 million books to children in need.

“The little kids don’t know that I sing or write, but everywhere I go, they say, ‘Thank you for the books,’ which makes me feel great," Parton adds.

The program earned her one additional benefit. “My dad was so proud of me when I started this little program,” she says. “He lived long enough to hear the kids call me the Book Lady!”

Startling Facts About Women and Country Music

More From Taste of Country