Dolly Parton Day: When Is It and How to Celebrate on September 25, 2026

Dolly Parton Day is fast becoming one of the most talked-about new observances of 2026. In the weeks since the country legend’s passing on August 25, cities and states across the United States have lined up to proclaim Friday, September 25, 2026 — a date chosen for its unmistakable nod to her beloved anthem “9 to 5” — as Dolly Parton Day, a day to celebrate her extraordinary life, her music, and her unmatched generosity. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Dolly Parton Day: when it is, where it is being celebrated, why September 25 was chosen, how you can join in, plus heartfelt Dolly Parton Day quotes and messages to share.

From a citywide celebration in Nashville to a mayoral proclamation in Portland, a statewide day in California and Ohio, and a borough-wide honor in Manhattan, Dolly Parton Day 2026 is shaping up to be a coast-to-coast tribute. Whether you want to attend an event, donate to the Imagination Library, or simply sing “Jolene” at the top of your lungs, here’s how to make September 25 unforgettable.

What Is Dolly Parton Day?

Dolly Parton Day is a newly established day of tribute honoring Dolly Parton, the country music icon, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist who died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. The day celebrates her towering contributions to music and entertainment as well as her decades of humanitarian work — most famously through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the free book program that mails books to young children.

Unlike a federal holiday, Dolly Parton Day has been created through a wave of state and city proclamations and legislation, each independently choosing September 25, 2026 — written 9/25 — as the date. The clever date choice doubles as a tribute to “9 to 5,” the 1980 hit song and film that turned Dolly into a pop-culture phenomenon and an enduring symbol of working people’s pride.

In several places, including Sevier County, Tennessee — Dolly’s beloved home county — the observance has been established as an annual event, meaning September 25 will bring Dolly Parton Day celebrations for years to come.

When Is Dolly Parton Day in 2026?

Dolly Parton Day 2026 falls on Friday, September 25, 2026 — exactly one month after Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026. Every proclamation issued so far — from California and Ohio to Nashville, Manhattan, Portland and Sevier County — converges on this single date.

The date works on two levels: it marks a one-month memorial milestone, and the 9/25 format echoes “9 to 5,” Dolly’s Oscar-nominated theme song from the 1980 film of the same name, in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. That film and song, inspired by the real 1970s 9to5 working women’s movement in Boston, turned workplace frustrations into an anthem of pride and solidarity — and remains one of the most recognizable songs in American history.

Where Is Dolly Parton Day Being Celebrated?

The list of Dolly Parton Day proclamations is growing almost daily. Here are the major ones confirmed so far:

California — statewide

California made it official through Senate Bill 931, a measure authored by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) and jointly authored by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which proclaims September 25 as Dolly Parton Day across the entire state. “Dolly Parton has a remarkable ability to bring people together,” said Senator Grove, praising Dolly’s heart for children and literacy. The measure highlights the Imagination Library’s reach in California: more than 182,000 California children are enrolled, with full coverage in 45 of the state’s 58 counties. California was also among the first states to offer a bilingual English-Spanish book option through the program.

Ohio — statewide

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel signed an official proclamation making September 25, 2026, Dolly Parton Day in Ohio, celebrating Dolly’s “life, legacy, and generosity.” The governor’s office noted that Dolly “rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved entertainers in the world and dedicated herself to literacy and children through her philanthropic work with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.” The program is available in all 88 Ohio counties, with more than 1 million Ohio children having participated and some 432,000 books mailed to Ohio children each month since the statewide program launched in 2019. To mark the day, Ohio paired the Imagination Library with Storybook Trails at state parks and rest areas — short walking paths featuring book pages on child-height panels.

Nashville — “Dolly Day”

In Music City, Mayor Freddie O’Connell proclaimed September 25, 2026, Dolly Day in Nashville, inviting the entire city to a citywide celebration. Highlights announced for Dolly Day in Nashville include:

• “9 to 5” at 5 p.m.: participating music venues across the city will mark the occasion with live performances of “9 to 5” on their stages at 5 p.m.
• Fireworks at 9:25 p.m.: a brief fireworks show in tribute to Dolly will light up downtown Nashville at 9:25 p.m. — another 9-to-5 wordplay.
• Star-powered giving: Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood pledged to donate all proceeds from their Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk on September 25 to the Nashville Public Library and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
• Free keepsakes: free Dolly Day buttons, stickers and bookmarks at Visitor Information Centers at Bridgestone Arena and Fifth + Broadway, while supplies last.
• Dolly-inspired specials: participating restaurants, coffee shops, bars and stores are offering Dolly-inspired food, drink and merchandise.

Nashville’s “Give Like Dolly” campaign invites the music community to turn its reach into support for people and organizations across Middle Tennessee.

Manhattan, New York — Dolly Parton Appreciation Day

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal proclaimed Friday, September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in the Borough of Manhattan, announced September 2. “Dolly Parton’s compassion, resilience, humor and dedication to giving back have made her an enduring symbol of hope and generosity,” his proclamation reads. His announcement credited the Imagination Library with putting over 300 million free books into the hands of 3 million children around the world, and noted Dolly’s role in helping finance COVID-19 vaccine development. “We will always love you,” he concluded — a nod to her timeless ballad.

Portland, Oregon

Portland City Council President Jamie Dunphy announced that the City of Portland will recognize Friday, September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day by mayoral proclamation. Portlanders were invited to a City Council pre-gavel ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, featuring Laurie McNichols of the Imagination Library and a musical performance by Nicole Onoscopi — celebrating Dolly’s music, generosity and legacy.

Sevier County, Tennessee — annual observance

Dolly’s home county made it permanent. Sevier County and the municipalities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Pittman Center jointly proclaimed September 25 as Dolly Parton Day, to be celebrated every year. A public signing ceremony was scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, September 25, on the steps of the historic Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville. The annual observance invites residents, businesses, schools and visitors to honor Dolly’s values: dream big, work hard, care for others, give generously — and remember where you came from.

Why September 25? The “9 to 5” Connection

Every Dolly Parton Day proclamation circles back to the same delightful wordplay: 9/25 looks and sounds like “9 to 5.” Released in 1980 as the theme to the film 9 to 5, the song earned Dolly an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and became one of her signature hits. What many younger fans don’t know is that the song and film were inspired by the real 9to5 working women’s movement, which began in Boston in the early 1970s, where office workers organized against low wages, unequal pay, limited opportunities and workplace harassment.

Dolly wrote “9 to 5” while filming alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, transforming those frustrations into an anthem of pride, solidarity and hope for millions of working people. Nearly half a century later, the song endures — which is exactly why 9/25 was “the perfect day,” in Portland’s words, to honor the woman who gave the world “9 to 5.”

Dolly Parton’s Legacy: The Music and the Giving

Born and raised in Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly Parton rose from humble beginnings in East Tennessee to become one of the most celebrated entertainers in American history. Her career spanned six decades, producing timeless songs like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5,” along with acclaimed film roles, the Dollywood theme park, and a business empire — all delivered with her signature wit, warmth and glittering style.

But Dolly Parton Day is as much about her giving as her singing. Her philanthropy reshaped lives on a massive scale:

• The Imagination Library (founded 1995): mails a free, age-appropriate book every month to children from birth through age five — millions of children worldwide have received books, helping build a lifelong love of reading.
• The Dollywood Foundation and support for pediatric healthcare initiatives.
• The My People Fund: disaster relief for families after the devastating 2016 Smoky Mountain wildfires in her home region.
• Support for COVID-19 vaccine research, helping finance its development.

“Dolly Parton brought joy to a lot of people, but her legacy goes well beyond her music,” said California Senator John Laird. “Through the Imagination Library, she put books into the hands of millions of children and helped give them a love of reading from an early age.”

How to Celebrate Dolly Parton Day

Whether you’re in a city with an official event or celebrating from home, here are meaningful ways to honor Dolly Parton Day on September 25:

1. Attend a local event. Check city and county announcements for Dolly Parton Day ceremonies, concerts and celebrations near you — from Nashville’s citywide Dolly Day to Sevier County’s courthouse signing and Portland’s pre-gavel ceremony.
2. Give Like Dolly. Make a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library or your local public library, or volunteer with a literacy program in your community.
3. Read with a child. Pick up an Imagination Library book and read it aloud to a young reader — it’s the most Dolly thing you can do.
4. Sing “9 to 5” at 5 p.m. Join Nashville’s lead: gather friends, coworkers or family and belt out “9 to 5” at 5 p.m. on September 25.
5. Host a Dolly-themed gathering. Big hair, rhinestones, neon and a playlist of Dolly classics — “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Here You Come Again” and, of course, “9 to 5.”
6. Watch a Dolly film. Revisit 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias or The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with friends and family.
7. Perform an act of kindness. Dolly’s unofficial motto — do good for others without expecting anything in return — is the heart of the day. Donate food, help a neighbor, or fundraise for a local cause.
8. Share her words. Post your favorite Dolly Parton quote or message of tribute on social media with #DollyPartonDay.

Dolly Parton Day Quotes and Messages

Dolly Parton was as beloved for her words as for her music. Share these heartfelt Dolly Parton Day messages and quotes with friends, family and fellow fans on September 25:

Quotes by Dolly Parton

• “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” — Dolly Parton
• “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” — Dolly Parton
• “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” — Dolly Parton
• “Storms make trees take deeper roots.” — Dolly Parton
• “I would honestly say that with all the awards and all the things that I have done in my life, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the crown jewel.” — Dolly Parton
• “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” — Dolly Parton
• “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” — Dolly Parton

Tribute messages to share on Dolly Parton Day

• Happy Dolly Parton Day! Today we celebrate a woman who turned music into kindness and fame into generosity.
• On September 25, we honor Dolly — the rhinestone queen with a heart of gold. We will always love you.
• Dolly Parton Day reminds us to dream big, work hard, love generously and give like Dolly.
• She gave the world “9 to 5,” millions of books for children, and a masterclass in kindness. Happy Dolly Parton Day!
• This Dolly Parton Day, let’s celebrate her legacy the Dolly way: by doing something good for someone else.
• From the Smoky Mountains to the world — thank you, Dolly, for the songs, the stories and the books. Happy Dolly Parton Day!
• May Dolly always remind us to live joyously, love generously and navigate this world with a little more kindness.

If this season of awareness and remembrance has you reaching out to someone who needs support, you may also find comfort in our collection of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month quotes, messages and resources for September.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dolly Parton Day

When is Dolly Parton Day 2026?

Dolly Parton Day 2026 is on Friday, September 25, 2026. This is the date named in proclamations from California, Ohio, Nashville, Manhattan, Portland and Sevier County, Tennessee. In Sevier County, it will be observed every September 25 going forward.

Why is Dolly Parton Day on September 25?

September 25 is written 9/25 — a playful nod to Dolly Parton’s iconic 1980 hit song and film “9 to 5.” The date also falls exactly one month after Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, making it a fitting memorial milestone.

Is Dolly Parton Day a national holiday?

Not yet — it is not a federal holiday. So far it has been established through state legislation (California’s Senate Bill 931), state proclamations (Ohio), and city/borough/county proclamations (Nashville, Manhattan, Portland, Sevier County). More states and cities may join as the observance grows.

What happened to Dolly Parton?

Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at age 80, following a brief battle with cancer that she had kept private. The wave of Dolly Parton Day proclamations followed in the weeks after her passing as communities sought to honor her life and legacy.

How is Dolly Parton Day celebrated?

Celebrations include public proclamation ceremonies, concerts and sing-alongs of “9 to 5,” citywide events like Nashville’s Dolly Day (live “9 to 5” performances at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 9:25 p.m.), charity fundraising for the Imagination Library and local libraries, “Give Like Dolly” kindness campaigns, Dolly-themed parties, and sharing her quotes and music on social media.

What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?

Founded by Dolly in 1995, the Imagination Library mails a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book every month to children from birth through age five. It has served millions of children worldwide — including more than 1 million Ohio children across all 88 counties and over 182,000 children in California — and is widely considered the crown jewel of her philanthropic legacy.

How can I donate or get involved on Dolly Parton Day?

You can donate directly to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, support your local public library, volunteer for a children’s literacy program, or take part in a “Give Like Dolly” campaign in your community. Even reading a book aloud to a child on September 25 is a perfect tribute.

Final Thoughts

Dolly Parton Day is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a reminder of how one person can change millions of lives with talent, kindness and generosity. On September 25, 2026, as cities light up, venues play “9 to 5” and children open books in the mail, the world will celebrate a woman who proved that fame is best spent lifting others up.

So mark your calendar for 9/25, pick up a Dolly playlist, give like Dolly — and remember, as she always said, to find out who you are and do it on purpose.

Sources for this article include official announcements from the Manhattan Borough President’s office, California State Senate District 12 on SB 931, and MusicRow on Nashville’s Dolly Day.