What a Way to Make a Legacy: Cities Declare 9/25 Dolly Parton Day

Dolly Parton in 2014. Ian Gavan/Getty Images

Given that late country icon Dolly Parton was one of the most beloved people in the world — no, she really was — it’s a no-brainer that cities across the nation are making Sept. 25 Dolly Parton Appreciation Day.

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 brief battle with cancer, but a date that will forever remind fans old and new of one of the legendary songwriter’s hands-down classic songs and her role in the beloved 1980 comedy film. In case you haven’t grasped it yet, 9/25 is kind of like “9 to 5.”

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On Friday in New York, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal was the latest local leader to officially proclaim Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day. The day will honor the country superstar’s enormous contributions to music, entertainment and philanthropy.

The borough of Manhattan joins several cities that have decided, with little to no debate, to honor Parton with a day of her own. New Orleans city officials also designated Sept. 25 as Dolly Day on Friday; the upcoming celebration includes a city-supported parade and a slew of musical events hosted by the Krewe of Dolly.

Lexington, Kentucky, has also established official community events on Sept. 25 to recognize and celebrate her legacy and philanthropy benefiting local literacy programs.

In her home region of East Tennessee, multiple counties have made local proclamations for Dolly Parton Day, with the most recent designation in Cocke County on Sept. 25. Parton and her legacy already have broader state-level recognitions in Tennessee tied to her birthday on Jan. 19.

While it’s not on Sept. 25, Nashville has also celebrated Parton with her official day for seven years. In 2019, former Mayor David Briley signed an official proclamation declaring Aug. 5 Dolly Parton Day to recognize her legendary career and her major philanthropic efforts during her lifetime.