California marks first Dolly Parton Day as tributes sweep US
LOS ANGELES - California on Friday marked its first official Dolly Parton Day, joining communities across the United States in celebrating the late country music legend exactly one month after her death at age 80.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sept. 20 establishing Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day in California every year. The date, 9/25, is a nod to Parton's hit song '9 to 5'.
'We could all afford to live a little more like Dolly,' Newsom said when he signed the measure. 'Be kind, be humble, and have some fun. Be a diamond in a rhinestone world.'
Newsom said the annual observance would serve not only as a celebration of Parton but also as a reminder 'to live the way she did, joyfully, graciously, and with a whole lot of heart.'
The bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 931, was authored by state Sens. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, and John Laird, D-Santa Cruz.
Parton, one of country music's most successful and recognizable performers, died Aug. 25 in Nashville. She was 80. Her official website said she died peacefully after a seven-decade career as a singer, songwriter, actress, author and philanthropist.
California celebrates Dolly Parton
Tributes were being held across California on Friday.
In Los Angeles, Grand Performances and the DTLA Alliance planned a lunchtime musical tribute, while Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena scheduled a storytime featuring Parton's children's book 'Coat of Many Colors.'
Los Angeles County Library branches also planned 'Dolly Day: Smarty Pants Storytime' events featuring songs, rhymes and activities for children, while Rooftop Cinema Club in downtown Los Angeles scheduled a special screening of the 1980 comedy '9 to 5,' which starred Parton alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
In San Francisco, fans gathered in Union Square for a public 'Dolly Day' celebration honoring Parton with music and festivities.
California's connection to Parton went beyond her music. Several of her Hollywood projects were filmed or set in the state, including her movie debut in '9 to 5.' State officials also highlighted the impact of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the early-literacy program she founded that has distributed more than 300 million books worldwide, including to children in California.
Tributes across the US
California is part of a broader movement to commemorate Parton on Sept. 25, with state and local governments around the country issuing proclamations and communities organizing parades, concerts, book drives and other events.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel proclaimed Sept. 25 Dolly Parton Day in their state for 2026, while lawmakers in New York and Pennsylvania have considered measures honoring the singer.
Some of the biggest celebrations were taking place in Nashville, where Parton moved as a teenager and built her career.
The Tennessee capital planned to illuminate parts of the city in pink, distribute commemorative items and stage musical performances. A fireworks tribute was scheduled for 9:25 p.m. Nashville officials have also been working toward renaming the city's airport in Parton's honor.
In New Orleans, the Krewe of Dolly planned a memorial parade through the French Quarter, while other celebrations around the country included karaoke, live music and events supporting children's literacy.
Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and scored 25 No. 1 country hits during her career. Her best-known songs include 'Jolene,' '9 to 5' and 'I Will Always Love You,' which later became a global hit for Whitney Houston. (With CNS and AP reports)