Country music legend Garth Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, will designate September 25 as “Dolly Day” at their Nashville bar, Friends in Low Places, donating all day-of proceeds to the late Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library children’s literacy program following her August 25 death at age 80.
Country music legend Garth Brooks and musician Trisha Yearwood are establishing an annual tribute to honor the late Dolly Parton and support her lifelong philanthropic work in children’s education, according to announcements from Garth Brooks’ official website. The couple’s downtown Nashville venue, Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk, will recognize September 25 as “Dolly Day,” directing all restaurant and bar proceeds from that date directly to the Imagination Library.
Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk Dedicates Proceeds to the Imagination Library
The date selection serves as a direct musical reference to Parton’s famous hit single, “9 to 5.” Located at 411 Broadway in downtown Nashville, the venue plans to repeat the fundraising effort annually to sustain the book-gifting program.
“Whatever the cash register says at the end of the day is going to Dolly’s passion. This is 100% about Dolly and her love for children’s literacy.”
Trisha Yearwood, country musician and wife of Garth Brooks
Parton established the Imagination Library in 1995, inspired by her father, who never learned to read or write. The program has since expanded worldwide, delivering more than 300 million free books to children from birth to age five.
Parton’s Legacy and Private Passing in Nashville
Parton died at the age of 80 on August 25 at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville following a brief, private battle with cancer. Her diagnosis had not been publicly disclosed prior to her passing, though she had experienced recent health issues involving her immune and digestive systems, including a canceled public appearance at Dollywood on August 14 due to dizziness and dehydration.
Family members privately laid Parton to rest on August 28, a detail shared by her niece, Lainey Mae Parton, in a social media statement.
Allie Colleen Faces Social Media Backlash Over Public Tribute
While the country music community united in grief, a social media tribute posted by Garth Brooks’ daughter, Allie Colleen, sparked intense online debate. Colleen, who pursues her own career in country music and released her debut album Stones in 2019, shared a message expressing anxiety over the public mourning surrounding public figures, drawing immediate criticism from users who viewed the post as self-centered.
“My greatest fear in life is the day my Dad loses his life and I have to see the world mourn a man they never knew the way I knew him… To the personal family and friends of Mrs. Dolly you have all my love and condolences today and forever going forward.”
Allie Colleen, country musician and daughter of Garth Brooks
The post drew sharp rebukes from commenters accusing her of minimizing public grief and centering her father’s mortality during a national mourning period.
Community Support and Ongoing Philanthropic Impact
Brooks emphasized that Parton’s lifetime of service guarantees a lasting legacy.
“Dolly may be the perfect example of if you spend your whole life loving, you WILL live forever.”
Garth Brooks, country music artist
Family members have requested that, in lieu of floral arrangements, memorial contributions be directed straight to the Imagination Library to continue supporting childhood literacy initiatives worldwide.