By Sam Stevenson

Communities around the United States are turning September 25, written as 9/25, into a celebration of Dolly Parton, using the date as a nod to “9 to 5.”

Several local and state authorities have announced commemorations following Parton’s death on August 25 at age 80, while organizers in New Orleans and Lexington have scheduled public gatherings.

Residents in those cities can attend live music, a parade and fundraising activities, although some other jurisdictions have issued proclamations without announcing an event.

Key Points

• New Orleans plans a French Quarter parade, musical performances and an Imagination Library fundraiser on September 25.
• Lexington, Kentucky, will stage a free evening event featuring local musicians, vendors and family activities.
• Manhattan, Cocke County in Tennessee, Montgomery County in Texas and California have also designated or proposed recognition of the date.
• New York and Pennsylvania lawmakers are pursuing broader commemorations, but those initiatives are at different legislative stages.

What To Know

Cities, counties and states are recognizing September 25 as a day honoring Dolly Parton, with public celebrations planned in New Orleans and Lexington.

The date gives admirers a shared way to remember Parton through her music and the literacy work that became central to her public legacy.

People in participating communities may attend local tributes, while some proclamations provide symbolic recognition without creating a public holiday or changing normal services.

Why It Matters

September 25 was chosen because its numerical form, 9/25, echoes “9 to 5,” Parton’s 1980 song and film. The tributes also direct attention toward her Imagination Library, which distributes books to young children.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans will recognize September 25 as “Dolly Day,” with the Krewe of Dolly organizing a Celebration of Life in the French Quarter, according to local reporting.

Participants are due to meet at Armstrong Park at 4 p.m. before a 5 p.m. parade ending at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Costumes inspired by Parton, Kenny Rogers and other country music figures are encouraged.

Programming will continue at the Blue Nile with local performers connected to the Krewe.

Organizers also plan to announce fundraising results for the Imagination Library as they work toward reaching 6,000 children in New Orleans.

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington Parks and Recreation will hold a free Dolly Day celebration at Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch Street, on September 25.

The city’s event listing says the program begins at 7 p.m. and will include local musicians performing Parton’s songs, food and drink vendors, and other activities.

Guests are invited to wear Dolly-inspired sparkle, while donations will be collected for the Imagination Library.

Manhattan, New York

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has proclaimed September 25, 2026, Dolly Parton Appreciation Day.

His office said the designation recognizes Parton’s contributions to music, entertainment, literacy and public health.

It also reported that the Imagination Library has distributed more than 300 million books to 3 million children worldwide.

The proclamation does not announce a borough-run public event, meaning residents should distinguish the official recognition from separately organized concerts or tributes.

Cocke County, Tennessee

Former Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis used his final official act to designate September 25 of each year as Dolly Parton Day.

Mathis connected the honor to Parton’s support for East Tennessee, including her $1 million contribution to recovery work after Hurricane Helene. No accompanying public program was specified.

California

California has established September 25 as Dolly Parton Day through Senate Bill 931, jointly authored by state Senators Shannon Grove and John Laird.

Grove’s office said more than 182,000 California children are enrolled in the Imagination Library, with full coverage in 45 of the state’s 58 counties.

The announcement focuses on statewide recognition and does not list a central celebration.

Montgomery County, Texas

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough announced a September 25 proclamation honoring Parton, with formal presentation planned for the county commissioners court.

His chief of staff said no related public events were scheduled, making the county’s observance ceremonial rather than a festival or concert.

Other Proposals To Watch

New York Senate Bill S10690 would establish September 25 of each year as “9 to 5 Day.”

Sponsored by Erik Bottcher and co-sponsored by Jeremy Cooney, it was referred to the Senate Rules Committee on August 31.

In Pennsylvania, Representative Ben Waxman circulated a co-sponsorship memo for a resolution recognizing September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day.

The Pennsylvania House page says the legislation had not yet been formally introduced.

Nashville follows a different calendar. Then-Mayor David Briley declared August 5 Dolly Parton Day in 2019, recognizing her entertainment career and literacy advocacy.

Published in Newsweek.