Cities and states across the U.S. observed Dolly Parton Day on September 25, featuring parades, pink lights, karaoke, and live music performances. The annual date, chosen as a nod to her popular single 9 to 5, follows statewide legislation signed in California and executive proclamations in regions nationwide.
California Establishes Annual Celebration and Tennessee Weighs State Proclamation
State leaders across the country cemented official tributes to the late country music icon, who died at age 80 on August 25. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 931, establishing September 25 as an annual state observance in recognition of Parton and her contributions to music, philanthropy, and literacy. The bipartisan legislation was sponsored by state senators Shannon Grove and John Laird.
“We could all afford to live a little more like Dolly. Be kind, be humble and have some fun … Be a diamond in a rhinestone world. With this bill, we are not just establishing a day to celebrate Dolly Parton, we are creating an annual reminder to us, every year, to live the way she did – joyfully, graciously and with a whole lot of heart.”
Photo: CBS News
Gavin Newsom, California Governor
While Tennessee, Parton’s home state, already recognizes January 19 — her birthday — as Dolly Parton Day, and is looking to add a September 25 “9 to 5 Day,” California became the first state to officially establish Sept. 25 as an annual Dolly Parton Day. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a proclamation designating Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day. In a post shared on Facebook, Gov. Lee shares a signed proclamation that Sept. 25 is to be recognized as a time to honor the cultural influence, storytelling, and kindness of Tennessee native Dolly Parton. Various Tennessee municipalities, including Pittman Centre, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Nashville, have independently designated September 25 as Dolly Parton Day.
Nashville Honors the Singer with Performances and Local Legacy
Nashville commemorates the impact of Dolly Parton through movie screenings, themed drinks and food, live performances, and a abundance of pink. The events are held on Sept. 25 to recognize Dolly’s massive hit “9 to 5,” the title song she penned for the movie of the same name, which marked her cinematic debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, both Hollywood legends.
The date, 9/25, is a tribute to Parton’s popular single, 9 to 5. While communities across the country are organizing tributes ranging from live music and karaoke to pink lighting and parades, Ohio and California have formally designated the date as Dolly Parton Day. SB 931, introduced by Senators John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, creates Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day in California.
“From the mountains of East Tennessee to audiences around the world, Dolly Parton’s talent, generosity, and love for our state have inspired generations. Today, we celebrate her extraordinary legacy and all she has done to make Tennessee proud.”
Bill Lee, Tennessee Governor
Community Tributes Span From New York to San Francisco
Because the late country legend Dolly Parton truly was one of the most adored individuals on earth, it is only natural that Sept. 25 is being marked as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day by cities throughout the country. The date that’s chosen isn’t the date of her birth (Jan. 19, 1946) or her death at age 80 on Aug. 25, after a short struggle with cancer, but a date that will permanently serve as a reminder to new and longtime fans of her role in the cherished 1980 comedy film and one of the legendary songwriter’s most definitive hits. In case you haven’t grasped it yet, 9/25 is kind of like “9 to 5.”
On Friday in New York, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal became the most recent local official to formally declare Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day. The day will honor the country superstar’s enormous contributions to music, entertainment and philanthropy. Manhattan is one of several boroughs and cities that have decided, almost without hesitation, to give Parton her own day of honor. State Sen. Shannon Grove (R) — who co-authored the bipartisan bill with state Sen. John Laird (D) — said in a statement that every Sept. 25th, the state will remember the legend who put millions of books in the hands of youngest readers and inspired the world on how to respect and love one another through the Imagination Library.
