She’s one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world, but to millions of preschool-aged children, Dolly Parton is simply ‘The Book Lady.’

“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,” she tells ‘Closer’ exclusively.

Dolly, 68, has every reason to be proud.

Since she began the ‘Imagination Library’ in 1995, the program has mailed more than 70 million age-appropriate children’s books to families who can’t afford them.

dolly parton

Dolly at the 2007 launch of her first ‘Imagination Library’ in the UK. (Credit: Getty)

“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.”

To read the full story on Dolly, pick up the new issue of ‘Closer Weekly,’ on newsstands now!