Dolly Parton Day brought music, community events and tributes across the United States on September 25, 2026.
The date carries special meaning because 9/25 connects to Dolly Parton’s famous song and film, “9 to 5.” California and Ohio marked the date at the state level, while Nashville hosted a citywide celebration filled with music, charity events and Dolly themed activities.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Dolly Parton Day 2026 |
| Date | September 25, 2026 |
| Main Locations | California, Ohio, Nashville and other U.S. cities |
| Why September 25? | The date refers to Dolly Parton's hit song "9 to 5." |
| Nashville Events | Music, community activities, charity events and fireworks |
| Charity Focus | Dolly Parton's Imagination Library |
Dolly Parton Day Celebrations Spread Across the U.S.
September 25 became a day for fans and communities to remember Dolly Parton’s music and charitable work.
Several cities organized special events. These included music performances, themed activities and fundraising efforts.
Nashville played a central role in the celebrations. The city connected the day with Parton’s long relationship with Tennessee and her wider cultural impact.
California Establishes an Annual Dolly Parton Day
California officially established September 25 as Dolly Parton Day.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 931 on September 20. The legislation made September 25 an annual day of recognition in the state. The date honors Parton’s connection to the song “9 to 5.”
Governor Newsom later issued a proclamation for September 25, 2026.
The proclamation highlighted Parton’s music career and philanthropic work. It also mentioned the Imagination Library, which provides free books to young children.
Ohio Honors Dolly Parton in 2026
Ohio also marked September 25 as Dolly Parton Day in 2026.
Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel issued a proclamation recognizing the occasion.
Unlike California’s legislation, the Ohio recognition applies to 2026.
Nashville Hosts a Citywide Dolly Day
Nashville turned September 25 into a citywide celebration.
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and local organizations encouraged people to wear pink, spread kindness and celebrate Parton’s music. The city also planned a fireworks display for 9:25 p.m.
Local businesses and venues joined the event in different ways.
Events Across Music City
Nashville offered several Dolly themed experiences.
The Nashville Zoo held a special Dolly Day with discounted admission, themed food and animal enrichment activities.
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a 9 to 5 themed event with live acoustic music and Dolly inspired activities. The museum planned to donate $9.25 from each regular ticket sold that day to the Imagination Library.
Dolly Day Also Supports Children's Literacy
Parton’s charitable legacy remains a major part of the celebrations.
The Imagination Library has distributed more than 300 million books to children worldwide, according to California’s governor’s office.
Several Nashville businesses used Dolly Day to support the program.
Friends In Low Places announced that it would donate all of its September 25 sales to the Imagination Library and Nashville Public Libraries.
Dolly Parton Day Celebrations
Dolly Parton Day 2026 brought communities together through music, local events and charitable giving.
California established September 25 as an annual observance, while Ohio recognized the day in 2026. Nashville hosted one of the largest celebrations, with events across the city and donations supporting the Imagination Library.
The celebrations reflect the continuing influence of Dolly Parton’s music, philanthropy and connection to communities across the United States.
