CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners has officially proclaimed Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, as “Dolly Parton Day” across the county.
The designation uses the numerical date 9/25 as a direct nod to Dolly Parton‘s iconic anthem “9 to 5.” Local officials approved the proclamation to honor the late cultural figure’s expansive history of philanthropy, community service, and cross-cultural unity following her death last month.
The proclamation specifically highlights Parton’s work through the Dollywood Foundation and her signature charity, the Imagination Library. The book-gifting organization has distributed hundreds of millions of free books to preschool-aged children globally to foster early childhood literacy.
County leaders noted that the day is meant to celebrate Parton’s lifelong philosophy of choosing kindness and promoting dignity, grace, and mutual respect among people of varying backgrounds and beliefs.
The proclamation from the Meklenburg County Board of Commissioners recognizes 9/25 (aka “9 to 5”) as a day to honor the late Dolly Parton’s enduring commitment to philanthropy and service, most notably through the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library.
