September 25 Declared Dolly Parton Day

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Dolly Parton in '9 to 5' — Dolly Parton in ‘9 to 5’

Courtesy Everett Collection

Today is officially Dolly Parton Day in California and in dozens of municipalities across the U.S. The date references Parton’s hit single “9 to 5” from the 1980 film of the same name, in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement announcing the passage of SB931 that everyone could afford to live a little more like Dolly. He noted the goal to be kind, humble, and have some fun, adding that the bill establishes an annual reminder to live joyfully, graciously, and with a whole lot of heart.

Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), who co-authored the bipartisan bill with Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), stated that her legacy goes well beyond her music and that every 9-2-5 gives California a chance to celebrate Dolly and her remarkable legacy.

“9 to 5” was her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, her first Oscar nominee for best original song, and a double Grammy winner for best country song and best country vocal performance, female.

California SB931 was signed into law by Gov. Newsom on Sept. 20 and calls on the governor to annually proclaim September 25 as Dolly Parton Day. Verbatim excerpts from the legislation include:

“International philanthropist, musician, and icon Dolly Parton dedicated her life to uplifting communities, promoting early literacy, and fostering a love of reading, learning, and music worldwide.
“Dolly Parton lived a life of strong personal faith and displayed her beliefs through love, forgiveness, and compassion for others. She approached life with optimism, responsibility, and a humbleness that inspired millions of people.
“Beyond Dolly Parton’s legendary creative career, she was a fierce advocate for equality and a beloved ally to the LGBTQ+ community, exemplifying a lifelong dedication to human dignity, acceptance, and inclusion for all people.
“Dolly Parton also had a deep connection to the African American community. She earned an estimated $10,000,000 from Whitney Houston’s legendary 1992 cover song, “I Will Always Love You,” but chose to invest that wealth directly back into a historically black neighborhood in the City of Nashville, Tennessee.
“In 1995, Dolly Parton established the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which initially gifted books to children in the County of Sevier, Tennessee, where Dolly grew up. The program quickly expanded to provide books to children around the world. Since its inception, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has mailed millions of free books directly to children from birth to five years of age, regardless of family income.
“It is fitting and proper for the State of California to recognize Dolly Parton’s profound contributions to global literacy, humanitarianism, and the children of California by officially designating September 25 as Dolly Parton Day.”

Tennessee recognizes Jan. 19, Parton’s birthday, as Dolly Parton Day. State lawmakers must wait until January 2027 to review and vote on a proposal to add a Sept. 25 “9 to 5 Day,” but cities and local governments across the state have separately declared Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day, including Nashville, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.

Manhattan borough president Brad Hoylman-Sigal declared Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in early September. Other cities and counties recognizing Dolly Parton Day include Portland, Oregon, along with Hays County and Montgomery County in Texas.

Celebrations honoring the singer are scheduled in Nashville, San Francisco, and New Orleans, among other cities.

Source: Billboard

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