Southern California observed the first official Dolly Parton Day last Friday, an observance established under state law, with a variety of tributes across the region.
Festivities stretched from downtown Los Angeles to the Santa Monica Pier and into local libraries. In DTLA, the DTLA Alliance and Grand Performances hosted a noon celebration at Cal Marketplace, featuring live music from Leslie Stevens and Andy Keathley, a DJ set, a book drive, and giveaways.
Out west, the Santa Monica Pier held its own celebration at the carousel, including tributes to Parton and her Imagination Library, a moment of silence, and group singalongs of her hits “9 to 5” and “Jolene.” As evening arrived, Pacific Park illuminated its 90-foot-tall Pacific Wheel in pink, displaying “DOLLY” and “WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!” along with pink hearts and stars until midnight.
LA County Library branches across Southern California also participated, offering children’s activities in Lomita, West Covina, and Los Angeles. Baldwin Park hosted a teen line-dancing program, and the San Fernando Library screened the Imagination Library documentary, “The Library That Dolly Built.” Even Amoeba Music in Hollywood joined in, donating a portion of its Friday proceeds to the Imagination Library, offering discounts on used books, and setting up a Dolly Parton-inspired photo opportunity.
Governor Newsom formally declared September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day through a proclamation, just days after signing legislation that establishes September 25 as an annual observance throughout California. The chosen date, 9-2-5, is a direct nod to Parton’s well-known hit song and the 1980 film “9 to 5,” in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
The measure was co-authored by Senator Shannon Grove, a Republican from Bakersfield, and Senator John Laird, a Democrat from Santa Cruz. Newsom’s proclamation praised Parton’s extensive philanthropy, noting her support for disaster victims, college scholarships, HIV/AIDS programs, and Black communities and businesses. According to the proclamation, Parton was "larger than life," freely giving and bringing joy and humor into people's lives.
Parton established the Imagination Library in 1995, a program that mails free books monthly to participating children from birth to age five. Senator Grove’s office reported that over 182,000 children in California are currently enrolled in the Imagination Library, with the program achieving full coverage in 45 of the state's 58 counties. California was also among the first states to offer a bilingual English-Spanish book option through the program, an expansion that Senator Grove said she previously worked on with former Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins.
Senator Laird expressed gratitude to Governor Newsom and Senator Grove for their partnership in establishing the day, remarking that Parton’s legacy extends beyond her music, particularly through the Imagination Library, which has put books into the hands of millions of children. Laird added that Parton “led with kindness, acceptance, and a belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her career spanned more than six decades, making her one of the most successful country music performers of all time. Beyond her music, she starred in films like “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” and “Steel Magnolias,” and her philanthropic endeavors included disaster relief, medical research, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Governor Newsom had ordered flags at state buildings flown at half-staff following her death.
