California has officially designated September 25 as Dolly Parton Day, giving Southern Californians a reason to celebrate the iconic performer across the region. Events throughout the day will honor Parton's music and filmography, with many also supporting her Imagination Library literacy program.
Downtown Los Angeles will kick off celebrations with a lunchtime concert presented by Grand Performances and the DTLA Alliance. From noon to 1 p.m., Leslie Stevens and Andy Keathley will perform at 350 S. Grand Ave. The event will include giveaways and information on how to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Los Angeles. Also in downtown, fans can visit the exterior of Charlie's Bar, located at 507 W. 6th St., to pay homage to a location featured in Parton's film, "9 to 5."
In Hollywood, Amoeba Music will contribute to the Imagination Library, with a portion of its September 25 proceeds benefiting the program. The store will also offer 30 percent off used books and feature a Dolly-inspired photo opportunity.
West Hollywood’s Rainbow District will host several themed events. Schmitty’s will have a Dolly-themed photo booth, play her greatest hits throughout the day, and offer Tennessee Tea drink specials. Guests are encouraged to dress in Dolly-inspired or Western attire. V Wine Room will screen Parton’s films throughout the evening, accompanied by her greatest hits as the soundtrack. Micky’s West Hollywood will host a Dolly-themed edition of its Cirque du So Gay drag show at 8 p.m., featuring tribute numbers and themed drinks. Down the street, GYM Bar WeHo will screen "9 to 5" throughout the day and serve Dolly-inspired food and drinks, including the Jolene and Dolly Rita cocktails.
Other Los Angeles locations joining the festivities include Precinct DTLA, which will screen "9 to 5" starting at 6:45 p.m. and offer Dolly-inspired drinks. The Aviator Melrose, a retro airline-themed bar, will play Parton tunes and serve $9 drinks from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a special vodka, pineapple juice, cranberry, and cherry cocktail. The Prince in Koreatown will also add Parton-themed drinks to its menu when it opens at 4 p.m.
Art enthusiasts can find a tribute at The Other Art Fair in Santa Monica. The fair will feature “Self Made Icon: A Life in Rhinestones,” an exhibition showcasing artist tributes to Parton with works priced under $500. The September 25 event will also include Dolly songs from a DJ and a Dolly Partini available at the bar.
For those looking to extend the celebration into a weekend trip, El Encanto in Santa Barbara features a portrait of Parton. The piece is part of “The Playlist,” an exhibition by photographer Andy Gotts, which displays 40 large-format black-and-white portraits of music legends and is on view through November 30.
