Dolly Parton Day: How Nashville is turning 25 September into a citywide tribute to the music icon

Nashville is honoring Dolly Parton's legacy on Friday, September 25, with over 145 events citywide. The tribute coincides with the release of her hit song "9 to 5" and comes a month after the music icon passed away at the age of 80 on August 25. Parton's family requested that donations be made to her Imagination Library in her memory.

The day has been dubbed "Give Like Dolly Day" by the Dollywood Foundation, encouraging global communities to support local Imagination Library programs. Nashville businesses are joining in by offering Dolly-themed food and drinks and encouraging fundraising efforts. Coffee shops and bars will serve pink-themed items, while local music venues will perform "9 to 5" at 5pm.

The city's fireworks display will end the day at 9:25pm, referencing the date of the tribute. Several events are also raising money for causes associated with Parton's charitable work. The Grand Ole Opry will donate $5 from every ticket sold, while Hattie B's will donate a book for every qualifying entrée. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood's Friends in Low Places honky-tonk will donate all proceeds to the Nashville Public Library and Imagination Library.

Twenty organizations have been chosen to receive donations across four areas of Parton's philanthropy, including helping children succeed, healing, assisting neighbors, and creating opportunities through music and the arts. The Imagination Library's impact extends beyond Tennessee, with affiliates in Florida, Virginia, and Ohio reporting increased donations and registrations since Parton's death.

In London, the program is expanding its reach by adding more boroughs to its coverage. For Nashville, the celebrations serve as a way to remember Parton through her music while continuing her commitment to providing children with access to books and encouraging reading.