Introduction:
The country legend, who died at age 80 on Aug. 25, is getting a very New York kind of honor — and naturally, it has a “9 to 5” connection
Dolly Parton‘s “9 to 5” is now a date on the New York City calendar.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has officially proclaimed Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 — or 9/25, a nod to Parton’s iconic 1980 hit — as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in the borough. Parton died on Aug. 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
“I am officially declaring 9/25 (“9 to 5”) as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in the Borough of Manhattan,” Hoylman-Sigal said in the proclamation on a Sept. 2 Threads posts.
Parton’s “9 to 5” was released in 1980 as the theme song for the film of the same name, which starred Parton alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The song became one of Parton’s signature hits and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
The designation goes beyond Parton’s legendary music career, recognizing her contributions to entertainment as well as her decades of work supporting children, literacy and education.
“Dolly Parton’s compassion, resilience, humor and dedication to giving back have made her an enduring symbol of hope and generosity, touching countless lives far beyond the stage and screen,” Hoylman-Sigal said in the proclamation.
The proclamation also highlights Parton’s journey from her humble beginnings in Tennessee to becoming one of the most celebrated entertainers in American history, as well as her continued commitment to giving back.
Hoylman-Sigal’s proclamation praises Parton not only for her music and entertainment career, but also for the impact she has had through her humanitarian work.
It cites her “timeless songs, groundbreaking performances, and her distinctive voice and spirit,” while also highlighting her work through initiatives. It also commends Parton for her “contributions to the Society” and celebrates her “extraordinary life, legacy, and lasting contributions,” noting that her talent, kindness and humanitarian spirit continue to inspire generations.
“I’m kind of addicted to the feeling of giving,” the country star told PEOPLE in 2021 for a People of the Year cover story. “Knowing that I’m doing something good for someone else.”
One of her most notable philanthropic efforts is the Imagination Library, the children’s literacy program Parton launched in 1995. The community-based initiative mails free, high-quality books to registered children from birth through their fifth birthday.
The program is also personal for Parton, who was inspired by her father Robert Lee‘s illiteracy when she founded it.
The program has since expanded far beyond Parton’s home state, providing millions of books to children around the world. In the last year alone, more than 38 million books were sent to children across the United States. It has given children more than 300 million free books in the 30-plus years it has been active.
“I’m proud of the Imagination Library as much as anything I’ve ever done in my life,” Parton told PEOPLE while receiving the award in 2022. “To get an award for the things you’ve done just says, ‘Hey, people are noticing, and it’s doing some good!’ It must be, or you wouldn’t be recognized to that extent.”
She continued, “I always want to do things that I can be proud to talk about, things that I believe in. I cannot be a hypocrite and just say I’m going to donate this money for a tax write-off. I’d really like for it to mean something to me — something I can take pride in.”
The Manhattan honor comes amid an outpouring of tributes to Parton in New York City, including the Empire State Building being lit pink in her memory.
More information about plans surrounding Dolly Parton Appreciation Day will be released soon.