States and Cities Declare Sept. 25 ‘Dolly Parton Day’ — 9/25 Honors Her Song and Literacy Work

# What happened

Several U.S. jurisdictions have formally declared Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day. California approved state bill SB 931 and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it into law. The chosen date — 9/25 — intentionally references Parton's hit song "9 to 5."

# Why the date matters

Lawmakers and city officials framed 9/25 as both a musical nod and a day to remember Parton's public contributions. The California bill highlights her Imagination Library, the literacy program that distributed millions of books to children.

# Where the declarations will be observed

• California: SB 931 establishes Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day statewide. The bill was authored by state Sen. Shannon Grove (R) with co-author state Sen. John Laird (D).
• San Francisco: The city plans a free "Dolly Day" celebration on Sept. 25 described as a day of music, rhinestones, and remembrance.
• Nashville: City officials designated Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day and announced a day of citywide events ending with a fireworks show. The city had already renamed its airport after Parton.
• Portland, Oregon: The city council declared 9/25 as Dolly Parton Day and encouraged residents to celebrate by playing music, reading with children, helping neighbors, and giving back.
• Texas: Montgomery and Hayes counties approved resolutions designating Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day.

# What officials said

California state Sen. Shannon Grove, who co-authored SB 931, noted Parton's work with the Imagination Library and described her public persona and faith as factors in the state's decision. Portland city council president Jamie Dunphy urged people to mark the day by doing small acts of kindness and engaging with children's literacy.

# Planned public activities

Nashville's day is planned as a citywide series of events with a fireworks finale. San Francisco's event will be free and described as a joyful celebration of music and remembrance. Portland's council suggested everyday actions citizens can take to honor Parton's approach to giving.

# Why organizers emphasize literacy

Multiple statements attached to the declarations reference the Imagination Library, which placed millions of books into the hands of young readers. That program appears in the California bill language and in official remarks tied to the observances.

# What to expect on Sept. 25

Cities have signaled music, public gatherings, reading events with children, and at least one fireworks display. Local schedules and specific event details will be set by individual cities and counties.

# Bottom line

Sept. 25 will be observed in a growing number of localities as Dolly Parton Day, using 9/25 as a symbolic link to her song "9 to 5." The declarations combine cultural commemoration with promotion of causes she championed, notably child literacy through the Imagination Library.