Nation celebrates first "Dolly Parton Day" following country singer's death
On Sept. 25, fans of the late Dolly Parton celebrated the first "9-2-5" day in her honor, a reference to her hit country single "9 to 5," which was written for the hit movie of the same name. Mark Strassman reports from a children's hospital in Knoxville bearing her name.
Across the United States, cities and states observed the first-ever Dolly Parton Day on Friday, September 25th. The date commemorates the country icon's most famous song, "I Will Always Love You." Dolly Parton passed away last month at 80, leaving fans heartbroken. She was celebrated as a unifying figure in America. California Governor Gavin Newsom established the day to inspire citizens to emulate Parton's kindness, humility, and joy.
Newsom's statement said, "We could all afford to live a little more like Dolly. Be kind, be humble, and have some fun... Be a diamond in a rhinestone world." Events in California included musical performances and giveaways in downtown Los Angeles, with Santa Monica lighting up the 90-foot Pacific Wheel in pink and displaying "DOLLY" and "WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!" at sunset.
The New York borough of Manhattan declared September 25th Dolly Parton Appreciation Day, while New Orleans designated the date as Dolly Day. Community events in Lexington, Kentucky, were planned to honor Parton's legacy and her literacy efforts. In Tennessee, multiple counties proclaimed Dolly Parton Day alongside the state-wide recognition of her birthday on January 19th.
Dolly Parton rose from poverty to become a rhinestone-studded legend with hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." She starred in several films and donated millions to charities. Her vast business empire includes Dollywood theme park, cosmetics, pet apparel, baking mixes, and a truck stop.
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