Summary (tl;dr)

Across the United States, states and cities are celebrating September 25 as "Dolly Parton Day" following the recent passing of the beloved country music icon, honoring her musical legacy and extensive philanthropic work, especially her Imagination Library.

Essential Background

Dolly Parton, the iconic country music singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spans entertainment and humanitarian efforts. A cornerstone of her philanthropic endeavors is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program she founded in 1995. This initiative provides free, age-appropriate books monthly to children from birth to age five, inspired by her own father's inability to read and write. The program began in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee, and has since expanded to deliver millions of books to children worldwide.

The Full Story

Today, September 25, has been designated "Dolly Parton Day" in numerous U.S. cities and states, a date chosen as a nod to her famous hit song "9 to 5". This widespread celebration comes one month after Parton's death and includes official proclamations, community events, and charitable initiatives. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to make September 25 an annual Dolly Parton Day, while Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation for 2026. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also issued a proclamation, and lawmakers in New York and Pennsylvania are considering similar legislative actions.

Celebrations are robust in many locations, particularly in Nashville, Tennessee, where Parton resided. The city is honoring her with pink lights, posters, and the introduction of a Dolly-themed license plate, with proceeds benefiting local Imagination Libraries. Her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee, is also holding official proclamation ceremonies and various events. Other cities participating include New Orleans, where a "Krewe of Dolly" parade is being held, and San Francisco, which is hosting a public "Dolly Day" celebration. Lexington, Kentucky, is also hosting public events. Additionally, Texas Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed September 25 as Dolly Parton Day and "Give Like Dolly Day," encouraging support for local Imagination Library programs. Several events are also taking place in Maine, including musical tributes, a tribute skate, a lookalike contest, and a variety show.

Why It Matters

The trending "Dolly Parton Day" highlights the profound and enduring influence of Dolly Parton's life, particularly her unwavering commitment to literacy and philanthropy. Her Imagination Library, which has delivered over 300 million books to more than 3 million children globally, stands as a testament to her legacy and is a central focus of many celebrations, inspiring continued support and recent expansion, including a doubling of its reach in London. The establishment of this day serves not only as a remembrance of a cultural icon but also as an annual call for communities to embrace Parton's values of kindness, generosity, and joy, while actively encouraging contributions to her literacy initiatives. This widespread tribute reinforces the critical importance of early childhood literacy and community engagement, echoing Parton's lifelong mission to empower children through reading.

Geographic Location

• Sacramento, Sacramento County, California, United States (Governor Newsom signed legislation establishing Dolly Parton Day)
• Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, United States (Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Tressel signed a proclamation recognizing Dolly Parton Day)
• Albany, Albany County, New York, United States (Governor Hochul issued a proclamation designating Dolly Parton Day)
• Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States (Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal proclaimed Dolly Parton Appreciation Day)
• Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States (city honoring Parton with events, pink lights, and license plate unveiling)
• Sevierville, Sevier County, Tennessee, United States (proclamation ceremony and celebration of Dolly Parton Day in her home county)
• New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States (Krewe of Dolly parade and tribute events)
• San Francisco, San Francisco County, California, United States (public celebration called Dolly Day)
• Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky, United States (public celebration with musicians and vendors)
• Austin, Travis County, Texas, United States (Governor Abbott proclaimed September 25 Dolly Parton Day and Give Like Dolly Day)
• Augusta, Kennebec County, Maine, United States (University of Maine at Augusta's radio station airing a musical tribute)
• Westbrook, Cumberland County, Maine, United States (Dolly Tribute Skate event)
• Rumford, Oxford County, Maine, United States (lookalike contest)
• Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, United States ("9 to 5: A Dolly Parton Tribute Variety Show")
• Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, United States (city joining the celebration)
• London, United Kingdom (Imagination Library program expansion)