It’s Dolly Parton Day: how communities are marking 9/25 for the late country star

# Day means

Sept. 25 — or 9/25 — has been adopted by multiple communities as Dolly Parton Day. The date is a direct reference to Parton's hit song "9 to 5." The observance is focused on remembering her career and public work, with a particular emphasis on literacy through her Imagination Library book-giveaway program.

# How governments have formalized the day

California moved to make the date official when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed state bill SB 931. The legislation recognizes Sept. 25 as an annual day to celebrate Dolly Parton. The bill's text and sponsors point to Parton's Imagination Library as a central reason for the designation.

State Sen. Shannon Grove, who co-authored SB 931, highlighted the Imagination Library and described Parton's public generosity and faith in a statement tied to the bill signing.

# Local actions: Calgary and community fundraising

Calgary's city government declared Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day. The mayor's statement framed the declaration around Parton's contributions to music and culture and her long-term commitment to literacy and community engagement.

Country 105 for a fundraising campaign tied to the day. Locally, the library program called My First Bookshelf partners with Parton's Imagination Library approach to provide books to young children.

# Ways people and communities are celebrating

Celebrations vary but center on a few practical activities:

• Donating books or contributing to local Imagination Library-style programs.
• Local fundraisers run by public library foundations or radio partners.
• Public dedications or proclamations by municipal and state officials.
• Cultural tributes referencing Parton's music, including "9 to 5."

# Why literacy is central to the observance

Multiple statements tied to the California bill and local declarations single out Parton's Imagination Library. The program's model — gifting books to children — is the explicit part of her legacy being honored on 9/25. That focus shapes how governments and community groups are organizing tributes and fundraising.

# Context about Parton in the coverage

Coverage repeatedly notes that Dolly Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80 after what her representatives called a brief battle with cancer. That announcement and the timing of her death have helped concentrate tributes and the move to formalize an annual recognition at 9/25.

Expect future Dolly Parton Day proclamations to combine cultural tribute with practical fundraising for children's literacy. Governments are likely to cite the Imagination Library when making official declarations, and local library foundations and media partners may continue to run book drives or donation campaigns tied to Sept. 25.