Today, September 25, on Dolly Parton Day, we invite you to join us in honoring the life, love, and legacy of our beloved founder, Dolly Parton.
Dolly’s vision, generosity, and deep love for her Smoky Mountain home touched every part of Dolly’s Stampede and countless lives far beyond it. As we reflect on all she gave to others, we are especially grateful for the compassion and devotion she brought to every person, project, and community she touched.
Dozens of cities and the state of California chose 9/25 as a nod to one of Dolly’s biggest hit songs, the theme to the movie “9 to 5.” Although Tennessee has recognized her birthday, January 19, as Dolly Parton Day, California was the first state to create an official holiday.
Here are some of the events scheduled around the country:
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Nashville (having already renamed the airport after her) will have pink lights and Dolly posters across the city, plus events, a fundraiser, and a fireworks show
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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host free activities, plus a showing rare archival footage and a screening of “9 to5”
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San Francisco’s Union Square will hold a daytime celebration with live music
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Montgomery and Hays Counties in Texas host a regional celebration with live music and themed drinks
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New Orleans will have a parade hosted by Krewe of Dolly, going through the French Quarter and ending at the Jazz Museum
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New York City will host library read-ins, Dolly-themed trivia and karaoke events, and look-alike contests
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Once Upon a Child in Branson, MO will donate a book to Cedar Ridge Elementary School with any purchase
Tennessee’s legislature is creating a statewide “9 to 5 Day” too. The cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the town of Pittman Center, along with Sevier County, have declared September 25 an annual day of appreciation. A special signing ceremony will take place on the steps of the Sevier County Courthouse to sign a joint proclamation and commemorate the day. The common thread in every declaration? Dolly’s advocacy of literacy through her Imagination Library.
One of Dolly’s most enduring gifts is her Imagination Library, founded in 1995 in honor of her father. What began in East Tennessee has grown into the world’s largest early childhood book-gifting program, mailing more than 3 million books each month to children from birth to age five.
As a proud sponsor of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we invite you to help carry her legacy forward. This Dolly Parton Day, #GiveLikeDolly by supporting your local Imagination Library program and helping put more books into the hands—and hearts—of children.
To learn more, support a local program, or explore how to bring the Imagination Library to your community, visit ImaginationLibrary.com.
Today and always, we honor and celebrate our beloved Dolly and the extraordinary legacy of love she leaves behind.
