KEY POINT
- California officially established Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day, connecting the date to Parton’s hit song “9 to 5.”
- Southern California venues are holding events ranging from live musical tributes to children’s storytime programs.
- Communities are also highlighting Parton’s literacy work through the Imagination Library and book related activities.
Dolly Parton Day is taking place across Southern California as fans and community organizations recognize the singer’s career and philanthropic legacy. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation establishing Sept. 25 as an annual day honoring Parton, with the date chosen as a reference to “9 to 5.”
The observance comes after Parton died at age 80 on Aug. 25, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer. Her death was announced by her family, while her official website described her as a singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author whose career spanned decades.
Parton’s influence extended beyond recorded music.Her work in television and film helped make her a broader entertainment figure, while her Imagination Library became one of the most recognizable parts of her charitable legacy, promoting early childhood reading through book distribution. California’s announcement said the program has distributed more than 300 million books worldwide.
Grand Performances and the DTLA Alliance are planning a lunchtime tribute featuring live performances by Leslie Stevens and Andy Keathley. The gathering will also include giveaways as part of the day’s public celebration.
At Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, the first annual Dolly Parton Day observance will include a special storytime program. The event features live music and a reading of Parton’s book “Coat of Many Colors.”
The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, California.
The Los Angeles County Library is also participating through Dolly Day: Smarty Pants Storytime programs at locations across the Southland. The activities combine songs, rhymes and movement with lessons designed around school readiness skills.
The Southern California programs reflect different parts of Parton’s public legacy rather than focusing only on her music. Live performances recognize her career as an entertainer, while children’s programming connects directly with her long-running emphasis on literacy.
California’s official announcement also highlighted her work in acting, producing and business alongside her music career. The state described the annual observance as a way to remember her broader contribution to communities and children’s literacy.
Dolly Parton Day is also being observed outside Southern California. Nashville, the city closely associated with Parton’s career, is marking the occasion with pink lights, posters and giveaways including stickers, buttons and bookmarks.
Southwest Airlines has announced a Parton-inspired karaoke event for travelers and employees. Nashville officials are also working on plans connected to renaming the airport in Parton’s honor.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said Parton’s influence on the city would continue through her music, the people she helped and the example she set for others.
The Sept. 25 observance places Parton’s music and charitable work together under one annual event. While tributes vary by location, the celebrations in Southern California particularly connect entertainment with literacy through concerts, storytelling and book-centered activities.
Parton’s official organization has encouraged fans to honor her through social media tributes and donations to the Imagination Library rather than flowers.
