Sep. 25 is taking on a new meaning across the country this year. Cities and states nationwide have officially declared 9/25 to be “Dolly Day,” honoring the life and legacy of the late legend Dolly Parton.
The date is a playful nod to Dolly’s beloved 1980 song and film, “9 to 5,” since the individual numbers are spelled out “nine two five.”
(via Shutterstock)
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Where It All Started
The tributes began coming together following Dolly’s passing on Aug. 25, with communities all over looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the star’s legacy going forward.
Nashville was among the first to officially establish the tradition, with Mayor Freddie O’Connell proclaiming Sep. 25 Dolly Day for the city that Dolly called home for decades.
California Also Made It Official Statewide
Governor Gavin Newsom has also signed State Bill 931 into law, officially recognizing Sep. 25 as Dolly Parton Day across the state of California.
State Senator Shannon Grove, who co-authored the bill, said that Dolly’s brightest legacy was the literacy work she built through her Imagination Library.
San Francisco will also host a free Dolly Day celebration this Friday. Its official description cites it as a “joyful day of music, rhinestones and remembrance.”
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Emphasizing the Imagination Library
Nearly every celebration ties back to Dolly’s Imagination Library, and for good reason. She founded the literacy program, which mails free books to children from birth until they start kindergarten.
Since launching in 1995, the program has grown to reach millions of children worldwide, including in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada and Australia, distributing more than 250 million books to young readers.
Many cities are also directing donations specifically toward the program as part of their Dolly Day celebrations, ensuring that her literacy legacy continues to grow well beyond this one special day.
Nashville’s Celebration Plans
Nashville’s celebrations will include a citywide Give Like Dolly campaign, allowing donors to support local nonprofits as well as Dolly’s Imagination Library through Sep. 27.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have also pledged to donate proceeds from their downtown honky-tonk to the Nashville Public Library and Imagination Library.
The day will then close with a spectacular fireworks show over downtown Nashville starting at 9:25 p.m.
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More Cities Nationwide Are Joining In
Of course, the celebrations will extend behind Dolly’s home base in Nashville and the state of California.
New Orleans will be hosting a parade and Celebration of Life through the French Quarter, and attendees are encourage to wear costumes inspired by Dolly and Kenny Rogers.
Portland, Oregon, Lexington, Kentucky, Manhattan and multiple counties across East Tennessee have also issued their own proclamations regarding their own celebrations on Sep. 25.
Portland’s city council summed up the spirit simply, asking the world to play music, read a book with a child and give something back.
So, whether you’re be attending a parade, making a donation of just wearing something bold and pink, Dolly Day is giving fans everywhere a meaningful way to keep her legacy of kindness and generosity alive. Mark your calendars for Sep. 25 to celebrate in your own way.
To continue celebrating Dolly’s legacy, click HERE for 50 iconic Dolly Parton lyrics to use as Instagram captions.
