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Friday marks Dolly Parton Day, with fans around the world celebrating the country music legend a month after her death from cancer at 80.
Held on Sept. 25 in a nod to her classic anthem “9 to 5,” the day celebrates Parton’s decades-long career as a singer-songwriter, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Cities and states across the US, from California to Manhattan, have formally recognized Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day, honoring both her musical legacy and her work promoting childhood literacy.
Nashville, where Parton moved at 18, is marking the occasion with pink lights, commemorative posters and giveaways including bookmarks, buttons and stickers.
Southwest Airlines is holding Parton-themed karaoke sessions for passengers and employees on Friday, while Tennessee officials are moving ahead with plans to rename Nashville’s 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,” Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said.
In New Orleans, the Krewe of Dolly marching group is leading a procession through the French Quarter. San Francisco is holding a “Dolly Day” celebration encouraging fans to sing, dress up and be “a little kinder than usual in her honor.”
Fans who can’t attend events are encouraged to support Parton’s charitable work, particularly her Imagination Library.
Parton founded the literacy initiative to provide free books to young children. It now distributes more than a million books each month across the US, Canada, UK, Ireland and Australia.
The Dollywood Foundation is encouraging supporters to donate to local Imagination Library programs or help establish new ones.
“For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart,” foundation president Jeff Conyers said. “She believed deeply in helping people, especially children.”
Fans are also celebrating Parton through the flamboyant style that became almost as recognizable as her music.
Pink clothing, sequins, fringe, big hair and butterflies are expected to feature heavily in Friday’s tributes. Some tattoo artists are even offering Parton-themed designs.
And, of course, fans can celebrate by returning to Parton’s extensive musical catalog, including hits such as “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton said before her death that she hoped both her music and charitable work would outlive her.
“I hope that a lot of my songs may last that long,” she told The Associated Press in 2024. “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.”
