California Declares September 25 Dolly Parton Day As US Cities Prepare Tributes

California has officially declared September 25 as Dolly Parton Day, becoming the first US state to establish an annual day dedicated to the late country music star.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 931 on September 20, formally establishing the annual observance in recognition of Parton and her contributions to music, philanthropy and literacy.

The date was chosen as a reference to Parton’s 1980 hit “9 to 5.” The bill was sponsored by Republican Senator Shannon Grove and Democratic Senator John Laird.

Parton died aged 80 on August 25, and the new statewide observance comes as communities across the US prepare tributes to her.

Tennessee Communities Join The Tribute

Several Tennessee communities have separately declared September 25 as Dolly Parton Day, including Nashville, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Pittman Centre.

Tennessee already recognises January 19, Parton’s birthday, as Dolly Parton Day, while lawmakers are expected to consider a proposal for a statewide September 25 “9 to 5 Day” in 2027.

The singer’s philanthropic work is also expected to feature prominently in the commemorations, particularly her Imagination Library, which she launched in 1995. The programme has distributed more than 330 million free books to children worldwide.

Cities Plan Music And Community Events

Other parts of the US are also joining the tributes. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has declared September 25 Dolly Parton Appreciation Day, while Portland, Oregon, and counties in Texas are among other locations recognising the singer.

Nashville plans to mark the occasion with pink lights and Dolly-themed displays across the city. San Francisco will host a daytime celebration in Union Square, while New Orleans will see the Krewe of Dolly lead a parade through the French Quarter before ending at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

The various celebrations will give fans across the country an opportunity to honour Parton’s music and her decades of charitable work.