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Dolly Parton Day 2026: September 25 is being celebrated across communities in the United States as Dolly Parton Day, with the date chosen as a reference to the country music icon’s famous song “9 to 5.” In 2026, cities, counties and states are organizing tributes, music events, literacy activities and charitable initiatives to recognize Parton’s career and philanthropic work.
The date has received additional attention this year following Parton’s death on August 25, 2026, at age 80. Communities are using September 25 to remember her contributions to music, entertainment, business and children’s literacy.
Why Is September 25 Dolly Parton Day?
The choice of September 25 comes from the numerical connection between 9/25 and Parton’s best-known workplace anthem, “9 to 5.” The song became a major hit following the 1980 film of the same name, in which Parton also starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
California has now officially established September 25 as an annual Dolly Parton Day. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation creating the statewide observance, making California the first state to formally establish September 25 as Dolly Parton Day.
Dolly Parton Day Across the United States
The celebration is not limited to California. Numerous cities and counties have separately announced September 25 observances.
Communities recognizing the day include Nashville, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Portland, Seattle and Manhattan, among others. Local proclamations generally highlight Parton’s musical career, connection with communities and support for literacy.
In Sevier County, Tennessee, where Parton was born and raised, county and municipal leaders are formally proclaiming September 25 as Dolly Parton Day every year beginning in 2026. A proclamation ceremony is scheduled at the Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville.
Nashville Dolly Parton Day Events
Nashville is holding a citywide celebration on September 25. The city has designated the date as Dolly Day, with activities focused on music, community and charitable giving.
Buildings around Nashville are being encouraged to use pink lighting, while visitors can find Dolly-themed materials and activities around the city. Music performances featuring “9 to 5” are also part of the celebration.
The day’s Nashville festivities are scheduled to conclude with a fireworks display at 9:25 p.m., continuing the 9/25 theme.
Give Like Dolly Day
Another major part of the 2026 observance is Give Like Dolly Day, announced by the Dollywood Foundation for September 25.
The initiative encourages people to support local programs connected to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to young children. The campaign focuses on continuing Parton’s emphasis on children’s literacy and community support.
People marking Dolly Parton Day can participate by donating to literacy programs, supporting local charities or taking part in community activities.
Dolly Parton’s Literacy Legacy
Parton’s philanthropic work has become an important part of the September 25 tributes.
Her Imagination Library, founded in 1995, provides age-appropriate books to children from birth through age five through participating local programs. The initiative has expanded beyond Tennessee and operates through local partners in communities across the United States and other countries.
Seattle, for example, is marking the day with a Dolly Parton-themed children’s story event and other activities connected with childhood literacy.
Dolly Parton Day and “9 to 5”
The song “9 to 5” remains central to the symbolism of September 25. Released in 1980, the song became one of Parton’s signature recordings and was connected to the comedy film in which she made her feature-film acting debut.
The 9/25 date provides an easily recognizable connection between Parton’s music and the annual celebrations now taking place across different communities.
Other Dolly Parton News
Dolly Parton’s legacy is also receiving attention through new music and entertainment projects. Bono recently revealed that Parton’s final vocal recording will appear on U2’s upcoming album “Carnaval de Luz.” The duet, titled “Torn,” is expected to be the album’s closing track.
Her estate has also been involved in a legal matter involving her nephew and his private security company. A Tennessee judge granted the estate a temporary restraining order earlier this week, according to reports.
How People Are Celebrating Dolly Parton Day
People across the country are marking the occasion in different ways:
- Listening to Dolly Parton’s music
- Wearing pink or Dolly-inspired clothing
- Attending local concerts and events
- Supporting children’s literacy programs
- Donating to charitable organizations
- Watching Parton’s movies
- Taking part in community story hours
- Sharing memories and tributes on social media
The celebrations vary by location, with local governments and organizations deciding how to observe the day.
Dolly Parton Day 2026: Latest USA News
The Dolly Parton Day 2026 observance is taking place on September 25 across numerous U.S. communities. California has established the date as an annual statewide observance, while cities and counties around the country are holding their own events.
The 2026 celebrations combine music, community events and literacy initiatives, reflecting the different aspects of Parton’s public legacy. The Dollywood Foundation is also encouraging people to use the occasion to support children and local communities through its Give Like Dolly Day initiative.
