Nashville will hold a citywide celebration honoring the late Tennessee country music legend Dolly Parton on Friday, September 25, with businesses, music venues, and other organizations participating in events and charitable efforts.
The date references Parton’s “9 to 5” song and 1980 film. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Music Community Foundation, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office, and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce announced the celebration.
Today we are SO excited to announce that this 9/25 is officially Dolly Day in Nashville! 🦋🩷#DollyDayNashville is a citywide celebration of Dolly's generosity, kindness, music and entrepreneurial spirit that has made her an enduring part of Nashville’s identity. The… pic.twitter.com/Kmc33lWOBh
— Nashville Tennessee (@visitmusiccity) September 17, 2026
Friends In Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk, the largest honky-tonk in the Neon Neighborhood of Lower Broadway, will donate 100 percent of its sales on September 25 to Parton’s Imagination Library and Nashville Public Libraries. The establishment, owned by country music artists Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. and will also collect children’s book donations.
Organizers said September 25 will be the inaugural “Dolly Day,” planned as an annual observance.
On the day of the event, participating music venues are scheduled to perform “9 to 5” at 5:00 p.m. Businesses are also being encouraged to offer Dolly-themed food and drink specials, donate proceeds to charity, and illuminate buildings in pink.
A fireworks display is also scheduled for 9:25 p.m.
The celebration follows several efforts to honor Parton after her death in Nashville on August 25 at age 80.
Last week, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously, 6-0, to begin the process of renaming Nashville International Airport in Parton’s honor. The authority said it has not yet determined a final name and that additional approvals and planning will be required, including consultation with Parton’s estate.
Tennessee lawmakers have also begun discussing ways to honor Parton. Legislation proposed by State Senator Jessie Seal (R-New Tazewell) would designate September 25 as “9 to 5 Day” in honor of the late icon.
Earlier this year, Governor Bill Lee designated January 19 as “Dolly Parton Day” in Tennessee to mark Parton’s 80th birthday.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Dolly Parton” by Bill Lee.
When is this hysteria going to end?!!
What a waste of taxpayer funds.