California is putting Dolly Parton in the spotlight with a tribute fit for one of country music’s most beloved stars.
State lawmakers have officially designated Sept. 25 as “Dolly Parton Day” in the Golden State, recognizing the singer, songwriter and philanthropist for a legacy that reaches far beyond the stage, according to KSBW.
The timing is intentional: Sept. 25, written as 9/25, is a clever nod to Parton’s classic workplace anthem “9 to 5.”
The recognition was established through Senate Bill 931, authored by state Sens. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, and John Laird, D-Santa Cruz.
“Dolly Parton brought joy to a lot of people, but her legacy goes well beyond her music,” Laird said.
One of Parton’s most enduring contributions is the Imagination Library, the childhood literacy program she founded to send free books to young readers.
The initiative has grown into a major force for early literacy, with more than 182,000 children in California currently enrolled.
California also became one of the first states to offer bilingual English-Spanish books through the program, expanding access for families and helping carry Parton’s passion for reading to even more children.
“She also led with kindness and acceptance, standing by the LGBTQ+ community and reminding people that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” Laird said.
The tribute comes during an emotional period for fans, who have been mourning the loss of the larger-than-life entertainer.
Parton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star was vandalized just days after her death, turning an already somber memorial site into an ugly scene.
Fans had flocked to Hollywood Boulevard to pay tribute, leaving flowers around the star and creating a makeshift shrine to the beloved performer.
But when visitors returned Monday, the flowers were gone and scratches had been carved across Parton’s name on the brass star.
Ana Martinez, a spokesperson for the chamber, told TMZ that a fan was responsible for taking the flowers and scratching the star.
Thankfully, crews arrived and repaired the beloved singer’s star on Wednesday.
Parton received her first Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1984 and later became one of the rare performers to receive multiple stars on the legendary strip.
When she received her second star in 2018, Parton, who was never one to miss an opportunity for a cheeky joke, quipped: “I like to do things in pairs, if you know what I mean!”
