California, Nashville Mark Sept 25 Dolly Parton Day — SkimNews
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- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed state bill SB 931 on Sunday, officially designating September 25 — a nod to Parton's hit '9 to 5' — as Dolly Parton Day across the state.
- State Senators Shannon Grove (R) and John Laird (D) co-authored the bipartisan bill, with Grove specifically praising Parton's Imagination Library literacy legacy that placed millions of books in children's hands.
- Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell announced citywide September 25 events culminating in a fireworks show, building on the city's earlier decision to rename its airport after Parton.
- San Francisco will host a free 'Dolly Day' celebration on September 25 featuring music, rhinestones, and remembrance.
- Portland city council president Jamie Dunphy declared 9/25 Dolly Parton Day, urging residents to 'celebrate Dolly the way she lived' — by playing music, reading with children, and helping neighbors.
- Montgomery and Hayes counties in Texas also approved resolutions declaring September 25 as Dolly Parton Day, extending the tribute beyond city and state lines.
Why it matters: A bipartisan California bill and simultaneous municipal declarations across at least four states mark a rare unified political tribute to Parton's dual legacy as a cultural icon and literacy philanthropist. The Imagination Library, cited explicitly by the bill's sponsor, has placed millions of books in young readers' hands — the subtext of every September 25 observance.
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