01
Play the music
Share a favorite Dolly Parton song, build a playlist, or gather friends and family for an evening of music and memories.
An Independent Tribute Initiative
A day to remember a one-of-a-kind life.
We invite people everywhere to recognize September 25 as an annual day to honor Dolly Parton—her songs, her spirit, her generosity, and the lasting encouragement she brought to millions of lives.
September 25 • Dolly Memorial Day
The observance
September 25 can be a day of music, gratitude, and giving.
Dolly 9/25 is a proposed annual public remembrance—an opportunity for fans, families, schools, communities, and organizations to celebrate the values Dolly Parton represented: creativity, kindness, resilience, literacy, laughter, faith in possibility, and love of one another.
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
— Dolly PartonWays to observe
Keep the spirit alive in practical, joyful ways.
02
Give a book
Honor Dolly’s commitment to children and reading by donating, gifting, or reading a book with a young person.
03
Share a tribute
Post a memory, a photograph you own, a song lyric, or a message of encouragement using the date and the spirit of Dolly 9/25.
Her story
From East Tennessee roots to a worldwide legacy.
Dolly Parton grew from a gifted young songwriter and performer into one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment. Her career joined country music, pop culture, film, business leadership, and philanthropy in a way few artists have ever matched.
1946
Born in Tennessee
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, and raised in the Smoky Mountain region of East Tennessee.
1960s
Early breakthrough
She established herself as a songwriter and country performer, including a major television partnership with Porter Wagoner before building a defining solo career.
1970s–80s
A singular recording career
Her songwriting and recordings crossed country, pop, gospel, bluegrass, and international audiences, while her acting and screen work introduced her to new generations.
1986+
Building opportunity at home
Dollywood became a powerful example of reinvestment in the region where she grew up—combining entertainment, tourism, jobs, and a distinctive East Tennessee identity.
1995+
Books for children
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library grew from a local literacy effort into an international book-gifting program for children.
The music
Songs that became part of people’s lives.
This is a selected introduction—not a complete discography. A future Dolly 9/25 site can include a searchable, album-by-album and song-by-song recording archive with release years, writers, collaborators, and streaming links.
“Jolene”
A timeless story song whose directness and emotional tension made it an enduring classic.
“I Will Always Love You”
One of her best-known compositions, first recorded by Dolly and later embraced worldwide.
“9 to 5”
An energetic anthem that connected Dolly’s musical voice with working people everywhere.
“Coat of Many Colors”
A deeply personal song about family, hardship, dignity, and the power of love.
“Here You Come Again”
A major crossover-era recording that introduced her sound to an even broader audience.
“Islands in the Stream”
A celebrated duet with Kenny Rogers that became a lasting favorite across generations.
“The Bargain Store”
A moving song of self-worth and resilience, recognized for its vivid lyrical metaphor.
“My Tennessee Mountain Home”
A loving musical return to the landscape, community, and memories that shaped her.
Business and giving
She showed what creative ownership and generosity can build.
Dolly Parton did more than perform: she protected and developed her songwriting catalog, created enduring entertainment ventures, and invested in projects designed to benefit children, families, and her home region.
Songwriting and publishing
Dolly’s work as a songwriter is central to her legacy. Her commitment to managing and protecting creative rights became a powerful example of artistic entrepreneurship.
Dollywood and hospitality
Dollywood helped turn a personal dream into a major destination, creating a family-centered entertainment brand rooted in the Smoky Mountains and East Tennessee culture.
The Dollywood Foundation
Through the foundation and its programs, Dolly made education and opportunity a central part of her public legacy.
Imagination Library
The program gives age-appropriate books to children from birth until school age in participating communities—turning a belief in literacy into a global act of service.
Learn and connect
Support the official legacy.
Visit Dolly Parton’s official channels and the Imagination Library to explore her music, public work, current announcements, and literacy mission.
Official Website Music, projects, news, and official Dolly Parton information. Official Facebook Follow official updates and community posts from Dolly Parton. Official YouTube Watch official music videos, performances, and video content. Imagination Library Learn about Dolly’s international children’s book-gifting program. Dollywood Explore the official Dollywood destination and attractions. Share a Tribute Idea Send a suggestion for future memorial-day activities or site features. Email us at hello@dolly925.today