Dolly Parton Day Celebrated Across US with Parades, Book Drives, and Pink Lights
Communities nationwide honor the late country music icon with events inspired by her music and philanthropy.
Dolly Parton Day, observed annually on September 25, is being celebrated across the United States with a variety of events paying tribute to the late country music legend. The date, a nod to Parton's hit song "9 to 5," features parades, community gatherings, and initiatives aimed at promoting literacy, reflecting Parton's multifaceted legacy.
Parton, who passed away last month at the age of 80, left an indelible mark as a singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Her impact is being commemorated through events in cities and states that have officially recognized September 25 as Dolly Parton Day.
These official proclamations, originating from places like California and Manhattan, highlight Parton's successful career and her enduring commitment to fostering literacy. In Nashville, where Parton resided for decades, the city is adorned with pink lights and distributing commemorative items such as stickers, buttons, and bookmarks.
Southwest Airlines is also participating by hosting Parton-themed karaoke for travelers and employees. Discussions are underway to rename the Nashville International Airport in her honor. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell stated, "Dolly Parton’s impact on Nashville will be felt for generations, through the music she has given us, the people she has helped and the example she continues to set. She has shown us that caring for a community means showing up for one another."
Further celebrations include a parade through New Orleans' French Quarter by the Krewe of Dolly and a public event in San Francisco called "Dolly Day," intended as a celebration of life. Organizers encourage participants to "sing loud, dress up, and be a little kinder than usual in her honor."
In line with Parton's dedication to early literacy, the Imagination Library book giveaway program is a central focus of the day's observances. This program has distributed over a million books monthly to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. The Dollywood Foundation encourages donations to local Imagination Library partners or the establishment of new programs. Information on finding nearby programs is available on ImaginationLibrary.com.
"For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart," said Jeff Conyers, president of The Dollywood Foundation. "She believed deeply in helping people, especially children, and she always felt if you are in a position to help, you should help."
Parton's distinctive style, often characterized by sequins, vibrant colors, and a particular fondness for pink, is also being celebrated. Attendees are encouraged to embrace flashy, shiny, or sparkly attire. Some tattoo artists are offering Dolly-inspired designs, while simpler tributes like butterfly clips are also fitting.
Playing Parton's extensive catalog of music is another popular way to honor her. Known for hits such as "9 to 5," "Jolene," and "I Will Always Love You," her music continues to resonate. Parton herself expressed a desire to be remembered for her positive contributions, stating in 2024, "I hope that a lot of my songs may last that long. And I hope I’ll be remembered as somebody that tried to do some good in the world and left, you know, a few good things."