firstlady-priorities
As First Lady of Ohio, I am focused on helping children and families with programs that support early childhood literacy, promote child nutrition, and help maintain healthy families.
There is nothing more important than reading to our children. I read to all eight of mine and now read to my 24 grandkids. I am excited to promote the Governor’s Imagination Library, in partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, to help put books into the hands of Ohio kids no matter where they live.
I also love helping kids learn about preparing healthy and nutritious foods, while supporting local programs and organizations, like food banks, that do this important work. Cooking together is more than just making a meal – it’s a time to connect with each other, which brings us closer together.
Updates
First Lady Fran DeWine's projects intersect with her personal passions and help support children and families all over the State of Ohio.

Fran's Favorites: Pumpkin Show, Ohio Stadium, and my 88th county
Last weekend was a beautiful fall weekend — and it was a great time to travel with a couple of our grandkids to some of the fun places and events in Ohio.

Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine Focuses on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio and Early Childhood Literacy at University Hospitals
Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine focused on early childhood literacy in Northeast Ohio today, starting with a tour of University Hospitals (UH) Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and MacDonald Women’s Hospital in Cuyahoga County to learn about the ways UH is promoting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio.
First Lady DeWine and ODNR Director Mertz Open Newest Storybook Trail at Salt Fork State Park
Through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz officially opened the 20th Storybook Trail in the Ohio State Park System at Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County today.

Fran’s Favorites: Books and Buckeye Brownies
I’ve had a busy two weeks traveling the state to promote the Imagination Library.

Fran's Favorites: Queen Elizabeth II
I have been thinking about the Queen this week. My mother Mary Elizabeth was born just two weeks after Queen Elizabeth II was born, so Mom sort of felt like she “grew up” with the Queen. She loved following her and considered her a friend, a peer — a special person that she could identify with.

Fran's Favorites: Anna Struewing’s chicken and noodles
Last Sunday we had our Struewing Family Reunion.This was the reunion that we established in 1960, when I was just a girl, for the Louis and Anna Struewing family.

Fran's Favorites: Camp time
I love to camp. Growing up I had great experiences at Camp Greene Girl Scout Camp, and my children loved their experiences and friendships that were developed at 4-H Camp Clifton.

Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine Welcomes Dolly Parton to Ohio to Celebrate Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Ohio
This afternoon, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine welcomed Dolly Parton to Ohio to celebrate the statewide success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Ohio, where every child under the age of 5 is eligible.