September 25 has officially become Dolly Parton Day, a new holiday celebrated in towns and cities nationwide. The date nods to the iconic hit “9 to 5,” and local officials are using the occasion to highlight Parton’s musical achievements and her lifelong commitment to literacy.
Mayor‑led proclamations and public festivities
State and municipal leaders from California to New York have issued proclamations designating the day as an annual observance. In Nashville, where Parton lived from age 18, the city will drape pink lights on downtown streets, distribute stickers, buttons and bookmarks, and showcase posters celebrating her influence.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell praised Parton’s impact, saying, “Her music, her generosity and the example she set for caring about one another will be felt for generations.” Southwest Airlines announced a “Parton‑inspired karaoke Friday” for travelers and staff, while Tennessee officials are considering renaming the state’s main airport in her honor.
Parades and community events
New Orleans’ Krewe of Dolly will lead a parade through the French Quarter, and San Francisco organizers are planning a city‑wide “Dolly Day” festival featuring singing, dressing up in pink and a focus on kindness.
Literacy drive through the Imagination Library
Parton’s Imagination Library, a book‑giving program that ships more than a million books each month to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia, is using the holiday to spur donations. The Dollywood Foundation encourages people to give directly to their local Imagination Library partner or to help launch a new program in their community via ImaginationLibrary.com.
Jeff Conyers, president of the Dollywood Foundation, said, “For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart. She believed deeply in helping people, especially children, and felt that if you are in a position to help, you should help.”
Celebrating Parton’s style and music
Fans are invited to wear sequins, bright pink or even get a butterfly‑themed tattoo in honor of Parton’s signature look. Playing her catalog—including hits like “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”—throughout the day is another simple way to join the celebration.
Parton once told the Associated Press that she hoped her songs would endure and that she would be remembered as someone who tried to do good in the world. This holiday gives communities a chance to live out that wish by coming together, sharing music, and supporting children’s literacy.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
