Nashville will officially celebrate Dolly Parton with a citywide “Dolly Day” on Sept. 25, honoring the late country music icon’s contributions to the city, philanthropy and music. Organizers say Dolly Day is intended to carry forward the generosity and community spirit associated with Parton’s legacy.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell will formally proclaim the date, which was selected as a nod to Parton’s signature song and film “9 to 5.” The celebration was announced by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Music Community Foundation, the mayor’s office and Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. Residents, visitors, businesses and musicians are being encouraged to participate through charitable giving, acts of kindness and Dolly-themed events. Participating music venues will perform “9 to 5” at 5 p.m., while restaurants, bars, coffee shops and other businesses are planning special offerings and activities. Several Nashville landmarks are also expected to be illuminated in pink, with free Dolly Day buttons, stickers and bookmarks available at select visitor centers. The day will conclude with a brief fireworks tribute over downtown at 9:25 p.m.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will mark the occasion at their Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk, donating all proceeds from the Broadway venue on Sept. 25 to Nashville Public Library and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The couple previously announced plans to make Dolly Day an annual tradition at the bar. Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995, and the program has distributed more than 300 million free books to children worldwide.
The celebration will also launch ‘Give Like Dolly — Middle Tennessee,’ a charitable initiative supporting local nonprofits in areas including children’s needs, health, community assistance and music. Donations will also benefit the Middle Tennessee chapter of the Imagination Library, with the campaign accepting contributions through Sept. 27.
Head to www.visitmusiccity.com for details on ‘Dolly Day.’
Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com