Dolly Parton Day declared in various cities and states across the US on 9/25 — SkimNews
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation establishing 25 September as an annual Dolly Parton Day, sponsored by state senators Shannon Grove and John Laird, with Newsom saying, "Be a diamond in a rhinestone world."
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel signed a one-time 2026 proclamation, while similar bills in New York and Pennsylvania remain stuck in senate and house committees.
- Nashville, where Parton lived from age 18, launched the largest celebration with pink lights, a Dolly-themed license plate directing $25 per sale to Imagination Libraries, and a 9:25pm fireworks tribute.
- Tennessee state and local officials are working to rename an airport after Parton, and Southwest Airlines announced a Parton-inspired karaoke event for travelers.
- New Orleans' Krewe of Dolly will lead a 5pm memorial parade through the French Quarter ending at the Jazz Museum, while San Francisco is hosting a public "Dolly Day" celebration.
- U2's new album "Carnaval de Luz" closes with "Torn," a duet described as Dolly Parton's final recorded performance alongside Bono.
Why it matters: California made 25 September a permanent annual Dolly Parton Day while Ohio's recognition is a one-time 2026 proclamation — setting a split precedent that may push other states toward permanent legislation. Nashville's new license plate funnels $25 from each sale directly into Imagination Libraries, converting public mourning into ongoing childhood literacy funding.
Ask SkimNews
