Legislation has been introduced in New York to officially designate September 25 as Dolly Parton Day, a move intended to commemorate the iconic country music star's enduring legacy and philanthropic work. The proposal aims to mirror a similar initiative in Parton's home state of Tennessee.
The date, "9-25," serves as a direct reference to Parton's celebrated 1980 film and song, "9 to 5." Sponsors of the bill highlighted Parton's broad impact, extending beyond her musical career.
"She brought joy to millions, stood up for working people, championed the LGBTQ community and women’s empowerment, gave millions of children the gift of reading, and did it all with an extraordinary spirit of kindness and generosity," stated State Sen. Erik Bottcher, a Democrat from Manhattan and one of the bill's sponsors. Although Parton has primarily been associated with Tennessee, she has also maintained residences in New York City.
State Sen. Jeremy Cooney, a Democrat from Rochester, has consistently advocated for state funding for Parton's "Imagination Library" program. He emphasized Parton's significant influence in New York, noting that her program provides free monthly books to over 170,000 children across the state, thereby supporting early childhood literacy.
"Dolly’s impact extends far beyond her musical talent, with her Imagination Library providing free monthly books to over 170,000 children in New York, supporting childhood literacy and bringing joy to families," Cooney said.
In a separate acknowledgment, Governor Kathy Hochul recently ordered state landmarks to be illuminated in pink in honor of Dolly Parton. "She spent a lifetime giving back to communities in need and her legendary career made the world a more hopeful place — we will miss Dolly and commemorate her love and light as New York illuminates pink in her honor," the governor stated.