NASHVILLE, United States — Cities across the United States have designated Friday, September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day, announcing public celebrations and charitable activities in memory of the country music star, who died last month at the age of 80.
Nashville, Portland, New Orleans, and several communities in Tennessee have announced commemorations, while California has established an annual statewide observance in her honour.
The date, written numerically as 9/25, was selected in recognition of Parton’s 1980 hit song and film, “9 to 5”.
The celebrations will recognise her contributions to music, entertainment, and philanthropy, particularly her work promoting children’s literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
California Establishes Annual Dolly Parton Day
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation establishing September 25 as Dolly Parton Day on Sunday.
The legislation, introduced by state senators Shannon Grove and John Laird, establishes an annual commemoration of the singer’s life and charitable work.
Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to provide free books to children. The programme has since distributed more than 300 million books worldwide.
California’s proclamation follows similar announcements by local authorities elsewhere in the country.
Nashville Plans Citywide Celebration
In Tennessee, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell is expected to formally proclaim September 25 Dolly Day.
The city has organised a programme involving music venues, restaurants, local businesses, and charitable organisations.
Participating musicians will perform “9 to 5” at 5 p.m., while selected buildings and landmarks will be illuminated in pink.
Country singers Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have pledged to donate proceeds from their Nashville establishment, Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk, to the Nashville Public Library and Parton’s Imagination Library.
The celebration will conclude with a fireworks display scheduled for 9:25 p.m.
Other American Cities Announce Tributes
In Parton’s home region of eastern Tennessee, Sevier County, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Pittman Center will jointly proclaim Dolly Parton Day.
A signing ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday at the historic Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville.
The participating communities intend to observe the day annually.
In Oregon, Portland has announced a mayoral proclamation, with a commemorative ceremony scheduled for Wednesday ahead of the official observance.
The event will include a musical performance and participation by representatives of the Imagination Library.
New Orleans is also preparing to recognise September 25 as Dolly Day, with Mayor Helena Moreno and the City Council supporting a celebration organised by the Krewe of Dolly.
The event was rescheduled from September 5 to September 25 because of another event in the French Quarter.
In New York, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has proclaimed September 25 Dolly Parton Appreciation Day.
The proclamation recognises Parton’s musical achievements and charitable contributions, including her support for childhood education and public health.
Fresno, California, has also declared September 25 Dolly Parton Day, highlighting the local expansion of her Imagination Library programme.
Parton, whose career spanned more than six decades, died on August 25 after a brief illness.
The commemorations will take place one month after her death.
