Somewhere in Ohio, a small charity asked people for 925 donations of $9.25 each. They blew past it and funded free books for 1,110 kids.
That is what September 25 looks like this year.
Dozens of municipalities and at least one state have declared the date Dolly Parton Day, timed to the way 9/25 reads out loud as a nod to “9 to 5.” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declared it statewide. California passed legislation for it. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal proclaimed it Dolly Parton Appreciation Day, citing her work in music, literacy, and public health.
Parton died on August 25 in Nashville at 80. One month later, the country is answering with book drives.
The Dollywood Foundation Gave the Day a Name and a Job
On September 14, the Dollywood Foundation announced its own observance, called Give Like Dolly Day.
The idea is straightforward. Rather than only posting about her, give to a local Imagination Library program or help start one where none exists. The foundation is directing people to ImaginationLibrary.com, where a ZIP code search pulls up nearby partners.
Foundation president Jeff Conyers explained the thinking in a statement.
“For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart,” Conyers said. “She believed deeply in helping people, especially children, and she always felt if you are in a position to help, you should help.”
The Imagination Library launched in 1995 and has distributed more than 300 million free books. The Associated Press reports it now mails more than a million books a month to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia.
Nashville Turned Pink and Garth Brooks Is Giving Away a Full Day of Sales
Nashville went all in, lighting the city pink and putting Dolly posters up across town.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are donating every dollar their bar takes in. Friends in Low Places Bar and Honky-Tonk is giving all of its September 25 proceeds to the Imagination Library and the Nashville Public Library, and the venue is collecting children’s books on top of that. Other businesses around the city are running Dolly-themed food and drinks, with portions going to the same causes.
Yearwood laid out the plan when they announced it. “Whatever the cash register says at the end of the day is going to Dolly’s passion,” she said. “This is 100 percent about Dolly and her love for children’s literacy.”
For You
Parades in New Orleans, Sparkle in Kentucky, and a Party in Union Square
The celebrations look different depending on the city, which feels about right for someone with her range.
In New Orleans, a marching group called the Krewe of Dolly is leading a parade through the French Quarter, finishing at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
San Francisco is holding a daytime event in Union Square built around what organizers describe as singing loudly, dressing up, and being a little kinder than usual in her honor.
Lexington Parks and Recreation is throwing a free celebration at Moondance Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m., with local musicians playing her songs, food and drink vendors, and an open invitation for guests to show up in Dolly-inspired sparkle. Donations there go to the Imagination Library.
Portland proclaimed the day and started early, holding a City Council ceremony on Wednesday with Laurie McNichols, the Oregon State Director of the Imagination Library. Dozens of Portland bars are running themed specials, several are discounting for anyone who shows up dressed up, and Darcelle XV Plaza has a performance at 5 p.m.
In Ohio, more than 432,000 books go out to children every month through the state’s Imagination Library. Columbiana County’s Project Brightside built its whole campaign around the numbers, asking for 925 donations of $9.25 each with “Give Like Dolly” written in the memo line.
They raised enough to send free books to 1,110 local children next month.
She Already Told Us What She Wanted to Be Remembered For
In a 2024 interview with The Associated Press, Dolly Parton was asked about her legacy and answered without much ceremony.
“I hope that a lot of my songs may last that long,” she said. “And I hope I’ll be remembered as somebody that tried to do some good in the world and left, you know, a few good things.”
Shop Dolly Parton
- Behind the Seams: My Life in RhinestonesBook · 2023The stories behind her stage outfits, written with Holly George-WarrenSee it on Amazon
- Dolly Parton’s Favorite Yellow Cake MixBaking · Duncan HinesFrom her Duncan Hines baking lineSee it on Amazon
- JoleneVinylWith “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”See it on Amazon
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Roughly a month after her death, a marching krewe is dancing through New Orleans, a city is glowing pink, a bar on Broadway is giving away a full day of revenue, and a charity in Columbiana County, Ohio, counted out 925 donations at $9.25 apiece.
She got her wish, and she got it faster than most people get anything.
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