Parton, who passed away from cancer last month at the age of 80, left behind a remarkable career as a singer-songwriter, actor, philanthropist, and businesswoman. There are many ways to pay tribute to the queen.
Here are some ways to commemorate Dolly Parton Day, such as dusting off your rhinestones, giving a book, or making a cocktail with a pink theme.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened? | Dolly Parton Day is being observed with tributes, public events, music, and literacy activities. |
| When? | September 25, 2026 |
| Where? | Communities across the United States, including Nashville, New Orleans, and San Francisco. |
| Dolly Parton's age | 80 |
| Date of death | August 25, 2026 |
| Known for | Country music, songwriting, acting, business, and philanthropy. |
| Major legacy | The Imagination Library, which provides free books to children through local programs. |
| How to celebrate | Listen to her music, join a local tribute, wear Dolly inspired clothing, or support children's literacy. |
Dolly Parton Day Celebrations
From California to the Manhattan boro of New York City, an increasing number of state and local authorities in the United States are designating September 25 as an annual Dolly Parton Day. The declarations emphasize Parton’s lifetime dedication to advancing literacy while showcasing her accomplished career.
Nashville, where Parton has resided since she was eighteen, will pay tribute to the singer with pink lights, posters, stickers, pins, and bookmarks. In the meantime, Southwest Airlines declared that it would have a Parton-themed karaoke event for both passengers and staff on Friday. The airport is presently being renamed after Parto n by state and municipal officials in Tennessee.
Dolly Parton Tribute Events
According to a statement from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, “Dolly Parton’s influence on Nashville will be felt for generations through the music she has given us, the people she has helped, and the example she continues to set.” “She has demonstrated to us that supporting one another is essential to caring for a community.“
In honor of Parton, the marching band Krewe of Dolly will lead a parade through the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Additionally, organizers in San Francisco are organizing “Dolly Day,” a public celebration of life that will take place in the center of the city and feature “singing loud, dressing up, and being a little kinder than usual in her honor.”
Donate a book to Imagination Library
Through her Imagination Library book giveaway initiative, Parton set out to boost literacy. As a result of the program’s rapid growth, children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia now receive over a million books per month.
On Dolly Parton Day, the Imagination Library is urging people to donate directly to their local Imagination Library Partner or assist in starting a new program in their neighborhood.
Not sure where to begin? The Dollywood Foundation is directing visitors to ImaginationLibrary.com, where local programs can be found using a ZIP code search.
The Queen of Country was well-known for her extravagant fashion sense, sporting large hair, plenty of fringe, and sequins in her trademark pink.
Parton sang that “love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh,” demonstrating how much she loved butterflies.
Go through your clothes and put on something really eye-catching, glittery, or sparkling. Are you feeling daring? Dolly-inspired tattoos are available on Friday from some tattoo artists, but a butterfly clip will also do.
Playing one of Parton’s numerous albums throughout the day is, of course, the simplest way to honor her.
Dolly Parton’s Musical Legacy
Parton, who is well-known for her classics “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” has a vast discography with plenty of potential to find new favorites.
Parton hoped that her songs would leave a lasting impression and that people would remember her for her efforts to improve the world.
“I hope that many of my songs will endure that long. In 2024, she told The Associated Press, “I hope I’ll be remembered as someone who tried to do some good in the world and left, you know, a few good things.”
