Photo Credit: Dolly Parton in 1977 for RCA Records / Public Domain
Nashville announces a citywide celebration of Dolly Parton’s legacy set for September 25, or 9/25—a nod to her iconic song and movie “9 to 5.”
On Friday, September 25, Nashville is coming together to celebrate one of Tennessee’s most beloved icons by doing what Dolly Parton does best: spreading a little kindness. September 25, or 9/25—a nod to her hit song and iconic film “9 to 5″—will become Dolly Day, a citywide celebration of Parton and the generosity, kindness, entrepreneurial spirit, and music that have made her an enduring part of Nashville’s identity.
Throughout Dolly Day, Nashvillians, visitors, musicians, and local businesses will be invited to celebrate Dolly in their own way, from wearing pink to donating to causes that reflect her philanthropic legacy and performing random acts of kindness for neighbors and strangers alike. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., Music Community Foundation, Office of Mayor Freddie O’Connell, and Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce have collaborated to make the celebration happen.
“Dolly has shown us what can happen when generosity is rooted in a genuine love for community,” said Hal Cato, CEO of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “Her example reminds us that each of us has something to give, whether it is our time, our resources, our talents, or simply our kindness. Dolly Day is an opportunity to put that spirit into action and show what is possible when a community chooses to care for one another.”
Country music icons Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are helping lead the way, pledging to celebrate Dolly Day by donating all proceeds from their Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk on September 25 to the Nashville Public Library and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
“We want to thank Garth and Trisha for this beautiful idea and are proud to help make Dolly Day a citywide commemoration where everyone can join in, spread a little kindness, and honor Dolly and the incredible legacy she left behind,” said Deana Ivey, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
“We hope locals and visitors alike will find their own way to take part, whether it’s supporting a participating business, bringing Dolly Day to life in their own neighborhood, making a donation, or simply doing something kind for someone else. Dolly gave so much to Nashville and to people around the world, and this is a chance for all of us to carry that spirit forward.”
Dolly Day is designed to give everyone a way to participate, whether they are a lifelong Nashvillian, a visitor experiencing Music City, a local business, a musician taking the stage, or a school, sports team, or neighborhood looking for a way to come together.
Activities planned throughout Dolly Day include:
- Participating music venues across the city will mark the occasion with live performances of “9 to 5” on their stages at 5 PM.
- Participating restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are encouraged to offer Dolly-inspired food and drink specials, with proceeds benefiting charity, along with curated playlists featuring Parton’s music.
- Attractions and other venues are encouraged to direct proceeds of admission tickets to charity, joining the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, which is donating $9.25 of all admissions to Parton’s Imagination Library.
- Businesses are encouraged to light up their buildings in pink, joining the city’s Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Historic Metro Courthouse and City Hall.
- Residents and visitors are invited to leave messages pledging how they plan to carry on Parton’s kindness at the Bridgestone Arena Visitor Information Center.
- Free Dolly Day buttons, stickers, and bookmarks will be available at Visitor Information Centers at Bridgestone Arena and Fifth + Broadway while supplies last.
- “Spread Love—It’s the Dolly Way” t-shirts from Project 615 will also be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the Give Like Dolly Fund at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
- Visitors can experience Dolly’s Nashville for themselves through a Dolly Parton itinerary featuring iconic stops connected to her life, music, and legacy.
- Nashvillians and visitors can spread kindness on social media and share how they are participating using #DollyDayNashville.
- The Dolly in the Districts program will encourage neighborhoods across Nashville to create their own family-friendly celebrations, from sidewalk art to neighborhood gatherings.
- To conclude the daylong celebration, a brief fireworks show in tribute to Parton will light up downtown Nashville at 9:25 PM.
“Dolly Parton’s impact on Nashville will be felt for generations, through her music, her many acts of kindness, and the example she continues to set for us today,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “She has shown us all that caring for a community means showing up for one another. I’m honored to proclaim September 25 Dolly Day in Nashville and to invite our entire city to celebrate the remarkable contribution Dolly has made to Nashville and to people all around the world.”
Additional Dolly Day activities, participating businesses and venues, and opportunities to celebrate will be announced leading up to September 25. An updated list of activities and ways to get involved can be found here.