Mecklenburg County will honor country music legend Dolly Parton by officially recognizing September 25 as “Dolly Parton Day.”
County commissioners approved the proclamation this week before marking the moment with an unusual musical tribute. Commissioners joined together and sang Parton’s famous hit “9 to 5” during the meeting.
The date carries special significance because September 25 can be written numerically as 9/25. Leaders selected the date as a tribute to Parton’s hit song and 1980 film “9 to 5.”
However, the celebration will extend beyond Parton’s music career.
The proclamation also recognizes her decades of philanthropy and her efforts to improve childhood literacy. County leaders are encouraging residents to perform at least one “Dolly Good Deed” on September 25.
That could include donating books or supporting organizations connected with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Parton created the program in 1995 to provide free books to young children. The program now serves millions of children and operates across several countries.
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County partners with the Imagination Library locally. More than 40% of eligible Mecklenburg County children participate in the program, according to WBTV.
Huntersville leaders joined Mecklenburg County commissioners Tuesday by approving their own Dolly Parton Day proclamation.
The tributes come one month after Parton died following a brief battle with cancer.
Parton died August 25 in Nashville at age 80, ending a career spanning nearly six decades. She became one of country music’s most recognizable and influential performers.
Her catalog included classics such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” She also became a major film star, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
North Carolina is also recognizing Parton’s legacy statewide.
Gov. Josh Stein proclaimed September 25 “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Day of Reading” across North Carolina. The proclamation highlights Parton’s music, humanitarian work and commitment to childhood literacy.
The governor’s proclamation also notes Parton donated more than $2 million following Hurricane Helene in 2024.
Governor Josh Stein is ordering state and federal flags at state buildings to fly at half-staff in honor of country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton.
Story: https://t.co/3fTBG5ktiM pic.twitter.com/gpKOsZLECJ
— WITN Headlines (@WITN) August 26, 2026
