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| Nashville celebrates the first official Dolly Day on Sept. 25 with more than 145 events honoring the late country legend. |
Nashville will turn pink on Friday as Music City celebrates the first official "Dolly Day," a citywide tribute to the late country legend that organizers hope will become an annual tradition.
Mayor Freddie O'Connell declared September 25 as Dolly Day, encouraging residents to wear Parton's signature color and support local charities. The date is a nod to "9 to 5," one of the singer's most famous songs and films.
Parton, who died in August at age 80, was one of Tennessee's most influential figures. Her legacy spans decades of chart-topping music, acting roles and philanthropic work — most notably the Imagination Library, which mails free books to children worldwide.
A Citywide Celebration
More than 145 events, parties and fundraisers are scheduled across Nashville, with new ones being added as the date approaches.
At 5 p.m., more than 30 local music venues will host live performances of "9 to 5." Coffee shops and bars are rolling out Dolly-themed menu items, many featuring shades of pink. The night will close with a fireworks show in downtown Nashville starting at 9:25 p.m.
The Grand Ole Opry is donating $5 from every ticket sold for Friday's shows and tours to the Imagination Library. Hattie B's is giving one book for each qualifying entrée purchased at its Tennessee locations outside the airport.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are sending all proceeds from their Friends in Low Places honky-tonk to the Nashville Public Library and Imagination Library. The couple plans to make Dolly Day an annual event at their Broadway bar.
Fundraising and Giving Back
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's "Give Like Dolly" campaign drew applications from 555 nonprofits. Twenty were selected to receive donations across four causes tied to Parton's philanthropy: helping children succeed, helping people heal, assisting neighbors in need, and opening doors through music and the arts.
Participating organizations include Nashville CARES, Dismas House, Girls Write Nashville, Nashville Children's Theatre and the Country Music Hall of Fame's Words & Music program.
Other highlights include discounted admission at the Nashville Zoo and Cheekwood, a free screening of "9 to 5" at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and Dolly-inspired activities at Nashville International Airport from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., where parking garages will be lit pink.
Beyond Nashville
The celebration is not limited to Tennessee. Imagination Library affiliates in Florida, Virginia and Ohio have reported surges in donations and registrations since Parton's death on Aug. 25.
In West Virginia, literacy nonprofit Read Aloud West Virginia is matching this month's donations to local Imagination Library affiliates when donors write "in memory of Dolly" with their contributions.
In London, the Imagination Library is doubling the number of boroughs it covers. The city will also host DOLLYFEST in 2027 alongside Nashville, part of a planned global music festival honoring Parton.
Lasting Tributes
Nashville has moved quickly to cement Parton's legacy. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted 6-0 this month to begin renaming Nashville International Airport in her honor, though a final name has not been determined.
A memorial bench now sits near Centennial Park's Sunken Garden, dedicated to Parton's connection to the park and her commitment to inspiring children to read.
The Grand Ole Opry also hosted a sold-out tribute show featuring artists with ties to Parton, including Carly Pearce, who was invited to become an Opry member by Parton herself five years ago.
As the sun sets Friday, Nashville will cap its first Dolly Day with fireworks — a fitting sendoff for a woman whose legacy, as organizers put it, is built on music, generosity and joy.
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