Dolly Parton Day will be observed on Sept. 25 with public events and renewed support for Parton’s Imagination Library literacy program.
The Story
Friday, Sept. 25, is officially Dolly Parton Day, a date tied to Parton’s signature song “9 to 5.” The observance comes after Parton’s death from cancer last month at age 80 and will be marked with community events and literacy fundraising.
Parton’s Imagination Library is central to the day’s activities. The early literacy program sends more than a million books each month to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. Supporters are encouraging people to donate to local Imagination Library partners or help establish new programs in their communities.
In Nashville, the observance includes pink lights and promotional materials, along with stickers, buttons and bookmarks. In other U.S. communities, state and local leaders have also been designating Sept. 25 as an annual Dolly Parton Day.
Southwest Airlines says it will host a Parton-inspired karaoke event on Friday for travellers and employees. In New Orleans, the Krewe of Dolly is set to lead a parade through the French Quarter. San Francisco organizers are planning a public event called “Dolly Day,” described as a celebration of life with singing and dressing up.
Supporters are also encouraging people to mark the day by wearing pink or sparkly clothing, using butterfly-themed accessories and playing Parton’s music, including “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
For Canadians, one direct way to take part is through the literacy program, which operates in Canada through local partners. The Dollywood Foundation directs supporters to ImaginationLibrary.com to search for nearby programs by ZIP code.
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