New York City Honors Legacy of Country Icon with ‘Dolly Parton Appreciation Day’
New York City is set to immortalize the spirit and enduring influence of country music legend Dolly Parton with a dedicated day of celebration in the borough of Manhattan.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has officially proclaimed September 25, 2026, as “Dolly Parton Appreciation Day.” The date, 9/25, was chosen as a clever nod to the singer’s iconic 1980 chart-topping hit, “9 to 5.”
A Celebration of a Cultural Icon
The proclamation, which Hoylman-Sigal shared on social media, serves as an official recognition of Parton’s multifaceted career and philanthropic reach. Beyond her “timeless songs, groundbreaking performances, and her distinctive voice,” the city aims to honor the singer for her profound commitment to social causes—most notably her advocacy for children’s literacy and education through her Imagination Library.
“I am officially declaring 9/25 (‘9 to 5’) as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in the Borough of Manhattan,” Hoylman-Sigal stated. The declaration serves to celebrate what the office described as her “extraordinary life, legacy, and lasting contributions to society.”
The honor follows a period of deep national mourning for the singer, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. In a poignant tribute shortly after her death, New York City’s Empire State Building was illuminated in pink, mirroring the singer’s signature aesthetic and vibrant personality.
Remembering the Woman Behind the Legend
As the world reflects on her life, colleagues and friends are sharing stories that highlight the humility behind the superstar. Jane Fonda, who co-starred with Parton in the 1980 film 9 to 5, recently shared a moving recollection of their time together during the 1984 production of The Dollmaker.
Fonda revealed that Parton became a mentor of sorts, helping her prepare for the role of a mountain woman. “I spent 10 days with her on a tour bus,” Fonda recalled. “Touring Appalachia, Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas… Dolly’s the only hillbilly I knew, so she helped me find a hillbilly that I could base my character on.”
Fonda spoke of the deep, mutual respect that defined Parton’s interactions with her fans, noting that the singer’s warmth was a bridge to communities living in extreme poverty. “She never played down, she always was pulled together, she was always who she was out of respect for her fans,” Fonda said. “She knew from the get-go who she was.”
A Private Farewell
While the world continues to celebrate her public achievements, Parton’s final rest was marked by privacy and intimacy. The singer was laid to rest alongside her husband, Carl Thomas Dean. Her family gathered for a quiet funeral service held at Nashville’s Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum, ensuring a peaceful conclusion to a life that brought joy and inspiration to millions across the globe.
