‘9 to 5’: US celebrates first Dolly Parton Day in tribute to country icon

On September 25, cities and states throughout the United States marked the first-ever Dolly Parton Day, a tribute to the beloved country icon who passed away last month at the age of 80. Parton's death left fans in mourning, but her legacy as a singer, songwriter, philanthropist, and businesswoman lived on. Governor Gavin Newsom of California was instrumental in establishing the day, hoping to inspire residents to embody Parton's values of kindness, humility, and fun.

The "9 to 5" singer's iconic song from the 1980 film of the same name became a workplace empowerment anthem, and Newsom encouraged people to live like Dolly. Events across California celebrated Parton, with musical performances, giveaways, and a pink-lit Pacific Wheel in Santa Monica, displaying "DOLLY" and "WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!" alongside hearts, stars, and spiral animations.

The Los Angeles County Library also planned activities honoring Parton, whose literacy program brought books to millions of underprivileged children. New York's Manhattan proclaimed September 25 as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day, while New Orleans designated the date as Dolly Day, with community events planned in Lexington, Kentucky.

In Tennessee, her home state, several counties recognized Dolly Parton Day alongside the statewide celebration on her birthday in January. Parton's journey from grinding poverty to becoming a rhinestone-studded country music legend was marked by hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." She also starred in several films and donated millions to charity while building an empire that included the Dollywood theme park, cosmetics, pet apparel, baking mixes, and a truck stop.