Emma Jarman met Dolly Parton as a newborn; 18 years later, she shares the story

Emma Jarman, an 18-year-old from England, recently shared the story of her unforgettable encounter with Dolly Parton when she was just one day old. The meeting occurred in 2007 at Rotherham Hospital, where Parton was visiting to launch her Imagination Library, a literacy initiative aimed at providing free books to children. Jarman, who is set to begin studying biomedical science at university, recounted the experience on Good Morning Britain on September 1, shortly after news of Parton's passing on August 25 at the age of 80. Jarman described the moment as surreal and impactful, noting that she was the first baby in the UK to receive a book through the program. During her visit to Rotherham Hospital, Parton met Jarman and her parents, Claire and Shane, and cradled the newborn in her arms. Footage revisited by Good Morning Britain showed Parton entering the hospital room and asking, “Where’s my baby?” Upon seeing Jarman, she remarked, “How tiny. Is that Emma?” After interacting with the family, Parton congratulated them and looked at the newborn, saying, “You’re going to get a book.” Although Jarman does not recall the encounter personally, she has watched the footage multiple times over the years. Her mother, Claire, recalled that Parton was “so kind and caring” in handling her daughter and engaging with the family. She noted that Parton spent considerable time with them and engaged in meaningful conversations. Jarman emphasized the profound influence of the Imagination Library on her life. She brought two books she received through the program to the Good Morning Britain studio, one being The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the first book Parton gave her, which included a personal message from the singer. She also received How to Be a Smartypants, one of the books given to children as they progressed through the program. Reflecting on the impact of receiving books from such a young age, Jarman stated that the initiative provided her with 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. She expressed deep sadness upon learning of Parton’s death, describing the singer as “such an incredible lady who did so much” and an advocate for many people. Claire Jarman reflected on the broader significance of Parton’s literacy initiative and its effect on their family. She highlighted the importance of books, especially at an early age, and how reading fostered bonding time between parents and children. Claire praised Parton for using her resources to provide children with access to books and acknowledged the singer’s humility 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.” Shane Jarman, Emma’s father, previously shared his initial reaction to meeting Parton. He admitted he was initially “filled with fear” when he saw Parton’s “great big red fingernails” holding his newborn daughter. However, he quickly felt 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 someone more gentle or more loving.” The legacy of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues to resonate with families around the world, offering children the gift of knowledge and imagination. For Emma Jarman, the memory of meeting the legendary singer as a newborn remains a cherished part of her life, shaping her journey toward education and beyond.