National Dolly Parton Day is being observed across the United States on September 25, 2026, with new celebrations honoring Dolly Parton’s music, philanthropy, literacy work, and enduring cultural legacy.
The date has gained particular significance this year following Parton’s death on August 25, 2026, at age 80. Her official website confirmed that the singer, songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman and philanthropist died peacefully in Nashville.
September 25 is also known as 9/25, creating a direct connection to Parton’s iconic song and 1980 film “9 to 5.” In 2026, that connection has helped turn the date into a broader day of remembrance and charitable action.
However, there is an important distinction for people searching for the meaning of National Dolly Parton Day: September 25 has not been established as a federal U.S. holiday. Instead, communities, cities, organizations and the Dollywood Foundation are using the date for official local proclamations and a new annual charitable observance called Give Like Dolly Day.
Why September 25 Is Associated With Dolly Parton
The choice of September 25 is closely tied to Parton’s most recognizable working-life anthem.
Parton wrote and recorded “9 to 5” for the 1980 movie of the same name, in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The song became one of the defining recordings of her career and earned major awards recognition.
The numerical connection is simple: September 25 can be written as 9/25, making it a natural date for a celebration connected to “9 to 5.”
That idea has taken on new meaning in 2026. Rather than focusing only on Parton’s entertainment career, many of the September 25 observances are centered on generosity, children’s literacy, music and community service.
The Dollywood Foundation officially announced Give Like Dolly Day on September 14, establishing September 25 as an annual global day dedicated to supporting local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programs and carrying forward Parton’s commitment to children and reading.
Is National Dolly Parton Day an Official Federal Holiday?
No.
There is currently no federal holiday known as National Dolly Parton Day. The September 25 observance should therefore not be confused with federally recognized holidays established by Congress.
The terminology can be confusing because several U.S. communities and organizations are officially using names such as Dolly Parton Day, Dolly Parton Appreciation Day and Dolly Day.
California, for example, took a formal state-level step in September 2026. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 931, establishing September 25 as Dolly Parton Day in California. The state selected 9/25 because of the connection to “9 to 5.”
That makes California’s observance different from a nationwide federal holiday.
Other communities have also announced their own September 25 recognitions. Portland, Oregon, announced that the city would recognize September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day through a mayoral proclamation.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal separately proclaimed September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in Manhattan.
Sevier County Makes September 25 a Recurring Dolly Parton Day
The strongest connection to Parton’s hometown comes from Tennessee.
Sevier County, along with Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Pittman Center, scheduled a joint proclamation ceremony for September 25, 2026.
The participating communities announced that September 25 would become an annual Dolly Parton Day throughout Sevier County beginning in 2026. The ceremony is being held at the historic Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville.
The significance of Sevier County is especially strong because Parton was born and raised in the area. Her Appalachian roots remained a central part of her public identity throughout her career.
The county’s observance emphasizes her contributions to music, entertainment, tourism, children’s literacy and charitable causes.
That makes the September 25 celebration more than a reference to one song. It also reflects the connection between Parton and the East Tennessee communities where her story began.
Give Like Dolly Day Gives September 25 a New Purpose
The biggest new development surrounding the September 25 observance is the launch of Give Like Dolly Day.
The Dollywood Foundation describes the initiative as a global annual tradition focused on giving back, particularly by supporting local Imagination Library programs.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become one of the most recognizable parts of her philanthropic legacy. The program provides free books to young children through local partners.
The new September 25 tradition gives communities a way to mark Parton’s legacy through action rather than simply remembering her career.
People can participate by supporting their local Imagination Library program or other organizations serving children and communities.
The foundation specifically describes local Imagination Library partners as an important part of continuing the program after Parton’s death.
How Nashville Is Celebrating Dolly Parton on September 25
Nashville is putting significant attention on September 25 in 2026.
The city has launched Dolly Day, an annual celebration connected to Parton’s legacy of generosity, music and community involvement.
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. announced that September 25 would become a citywide opportunity for residents, businesses, musicians and visitors to celebrate Parton.
Planned activities include musical performances, charitable giving, acts of kindness and businesses participating in Dolly-themed celebrations. Performers across the city are also scheduled to play “9 to 5” at 5 p.m. as part of the celebration.
Nashville’s Give Like Dolly campaign also includes a three-day giving effort running from September 25 through September 27.
The campaign supports 20 Middle Tennessee nonprofits along with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee.
Centennial Park is also hosting a Dolly-themed celebration on September 25. Activities include music, pink lighting at the Parthenon, book donations and fundraising opportunities benefiting the Imagination Library.
Washington, D.C., Is Marking the Day With “9 to 5”
The September 25 celebration is not limited to Tennessee.
At the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the REACH is hosting a free National Dolly Parton Day program featuring music and a screening of “9 to 5.”
The event also recognizes Parton’s Kennedy Center Honors legacy and features Nashville singer-songwriter Leah Crose. The evening combines live music with a showing of the movie that gave September 25 its most obvious numerical connection to Parton.
The celebration demonstrates how September 25 is being used in different ways around the country.
Some communities are focusing on music. Others are emphasizing literacy or charitable giving. Still others are simply using the day as an opportunity to remember Parton and celebrate her work.
Dolly Parton’s Legacy Behind the September 25 Observance
The current celebrations are rooted in several parts of Parton’s career.
She became internationally known as a country singer and songwriter, but her career eventually expanded into movies, television, publishing, business and philanthropy.
The Country Music Hall of Fame identifies Parton as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
Her musical catalog includes songs such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.”
Her business legacy also includes Dollywood, the theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which became an important part of the regional tourism economy.
Yet the September 25 observances increasingly emphasize her philanthropic work.
The Imagination Library has become especially important because its mission directly connects with children and education. The program sends age-appropriate books to enrolled children from birth through age five through local partnerships.
That mission is now at the center of Give Like Dolly Day.
Why the 2026 Celebration Is Different
September 25, 2026, carries unusual significance because it is the first such nationwide wave of celebrations following Parton’s death.
Parton died on August 25, 2026. Her official announcement described her as a global icon and humanitarian whose career spanned music, songwriting, acting, writing and philanthropy.
The White House also issued a proclamation following her death directing that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff through sunset on September 1, 2026, in honor of her memory.
As September 25 approaches, communities are therefore using the date to establish traditions that can continue beyond the immediate period of mourning.
The Dollywood Foundation’s annual Give Like Dolly Day is the clearest example. Instead of making the date solely a memorial occasion, the foundation has connected it with ongoing charitable work.
What People Can Do on September 25
There is no single nationwide ceremony that everyone must attend.
The current observances offer several ways for Americans to participate.
- Support a local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.
- Donate books through an appropriate local book drive.
- Attend a Dolly Parton-themed community event.
- Listen to Parton’s music or watch one of her films.
- Participate in a local charitable campaign.
- Perform an act of kindness in her memory.
- Learn more about childhood literacy programs in the community.
The focus on giving reflects the purpose established by the Dollywood Foundation rather than simply turning September 25 into another entertainment-themed date.
For families, the literacy component is particularly relevant. Local Imagination Library partners are continuing the work of putting books into children’s hands, making the celebration directly connected to one of Parton’s longest-running philanthropic initiatives.
What National Dolly Parton Day Means in 2026
The phrase National Dolly Parton Day is increasingly being used to describe September 25 celebrations, but the formal status varies depending on the location.
California has established September 25 as Dolly Parton Day at the state level. Sevier County has announced an annual local Dolly Parton Day. Portland and Manhattan have issued their own recognitions. Nashville has created an annual Dolly Day celebration. Meanwhile, the Dollywood Foundation has established Give Like Dolly Day as an annual global observance.
Together, these developments explain why September 25 is receiving widespread attention in 2026.
For now, calling it a federal national holiday would be inaccurate. Calling September 25 a growing national celebration of Dolly Parton is more consistent with the confirmed developments taking place across the country.
The date brings together the strongest themes associated with Parton: music, work, Appalachian roots, generosity, children’s literacy and community.
And the connection to “9 to 5” gives September 25 a memorable reason for Americans to recognize the date each year.
As September 25 becomes an annual opportunity to celebrate Dolly Parton through music, kindness and giving, what part of her legacy means the most to you? Share your thoughts and stay connected for the latest verified updates.