Pour yourself a cup of ambition. It’s Dolly Parton Day.
Across the world, communities are dedicating Friday to honoring the beloved country singer. The day is falling on Sept. 25, a wink at Parton’s hit song “9 to 5.”
Parton, who sadly passed away from cancer last month at age 80, built an impressive legacy over the decades as a singer-songwriter, actor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. She left behind many ways for us to honor her memory.
So whether it’s dusting off your rhinestones, donating a book, or enjoying a pink-themed cocktail, here’s how you can celebrate Dolly Parton Day.
Join a Celebration
In the U.S., a growing number of state and local leaders are declaring Sept. 25 as an annual Dolly Parton Day, from California to Manhattan in New York City. These proclamations not only celebrate Parton’s successful career but also highlight her lifelong commitment to promoting literacy.
In Nashville, where Parton has lived since she was 18, the city will honor her with pink lights and posters, and give away stickers, buttons, and bookmarks. Southwest Airlines is hosting a Parton-inspired karaoke event for travelers and employees. Moreover, Tennessee officials are working on renaming the airport after her.
“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,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “She has shown us that caring for a community means showing up for one another.”
In New Orleans, the Krewe of Dolly will lead a parade through the French Quarter to celebrate her. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, organizers are planning a public event called “Dolly Day,” which encourages attendees to sing loud, dress up, and be a little kinder than usual in her honor.
Donate a Book to Imagination Library
For those tied to their actual 9 to 5 jobs on Friday, sneaking away for an event might be tough. Instead, you can honor Parton’s spirit of giving.
Parton made it her mission to improve literacy through her Imagination Library book giveaway program. This initiative has expanded rapidly, sending out over a million books each month to children in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Australia.
On Dolly Parton Day, the Imagination Library encourages the public to donate directly to their local Imagination Library Partner or help establish a new program in their community. If you’re unsure where to start, visit ImaginationLibrary.com to find nearby programs using your ZIP code.
“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 that if you are in a position to help, you should help.”
Get Inspired by Parton’s Style and Songs
The Queen of Country was known for her over-the-top style, proudly donning sequins, big hair, and lots of fringe—often in her favorite color, pink. Parton loved butterflies, famously singing that “love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh.”
Dig into your closet and wear something extra flashy, shiny, or sparkly. If you’re feeling adventurous, some tattoo artists are offering Dolly-inspired tattoos on Friday, but a butterfly clip will also do the trick.
Of course, there’s no easier way to celebrate Parton than by playing one of her many albums throughout the day. Known for her hits like “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Parton’s catalog is extensive, and there’s always room to discover new favorites.
Parton once expressed her hope that her songs would last and that she would be remembered for trying to make the world a better place. “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,” she told The Associated Press in 2024.
