Tennessee State Senator Jessie Seal (R-New Tazewell) announced Wednesday that he is proposing legislation to designate September 25 as “9 to 5 Day” in honor of country music legend Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at age 80.
The proposed designation would pay tribute to Parton, a Tennessee native, and one of her most iconic songs, “9 to 5,” which became a signature hit following the release of the 1980 film 9 to 5.
“Dolly will go down as one of the most legendary Tennesseans of all time,” Seal said in a statement. “Not only will her music stand the test of time, but so will her legacy of faith and kindness.”
“She embodied the true Volunteer State spirit like no other,” Seal added. “While every day is a fitting day to honor Dolly, ‘9 to 5 Day’ will give Tennesseans an opportunity each year to set aside a little extra time to listen to one of her most iconic songs and reflect on the once-in-a-century legend.”
The legislation is expected to be considered during the Tennessee General Assembly’s 2027 legislative session, which begins January 12.
Parton died peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, according to a statement posted to her official social media accounts. An additional statement from Parton’s team to PEOPLE revealed the singer passed away after a “brief battle with cancer.”
In the statement posted to social media, Parton was described as a “global icon and humanitarian” whose seven-decade career spanned music, songwriting, acting, writing, and philanthropy.
Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years… pic.twitter.com/sBdu2Ssof9
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026
Her family said Parton requested that a small, private service be held for immediate family. The family also encouraged fans to honor her legacy by donating to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy program she founded, which has distributed hundreds of millions of free books to children.
Earlier this year, Governor Bill Lee designated January 19 as “Dolly Parton Day” in Tennessee to mark her 80th birthday.
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that American flags would be lowered nationwide for one week in Parton’s honor, calling her “one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER.”
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Dolly Parton” by Kristopher Harris. CC BY 2.0.
