Proclaiming 9-2-5 - what a way to honor Dolly.
State lawmakers approved a bill that names September 25 - or "nine-two-five" - as Dolly Parton Day, honoring the famous country legend and humanitarian who died Aug. 25 at the age of 80.
The bill was jointly authored by Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), and Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield.) In a statement, both senators praised Parton's philanthropic work, particularly the Imagination Library, an initiative that provides free books to millions across the country, including more than 182,000 children in California.
"Dolly Parton has a remarkable ability to bring people together, and her heart for children and literacy is one of the greatest parts of her legacy," Grove said. "It is only fitting that California now has a day to celebrate Dolly and the tremendous impact she continues to make." Grove worked to bring the Imagination Library statewide in California, where it helped provide free books available in both English and Spanish.
"Through the Imagination Library, she put books into the hands of millions of children and helped give them a love of reading from an early age," Laird said. "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 – the former Santa Cruz mayor who in 1983 became one of the first openly gay mayors in the United States – also noted Parton's presence in the Central Coast region. Parton owned a farmhouse in Solvang, a cabin in Idyllwild, as well as homes in West Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills. She performed regularly across the state, including at the Universal Amphitheatre, Greek Theatre, the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, and many more venues.
"From her music and philanthropy to her unwavering belief in dreaming big and giving back, Dolly Parton has inspired generations. This September 25, California will proudly work "9 to 5" and celebrate Dolly all day long," Laird's office said in a news release.
California appears to be the first state to dedicate an official day to Dolly Parton, though legislation is underway in Pennsylvania and Parton's home state of Tennessee.
In California, Parton joins just three other people with days officially devoted to them: Ronald Reagan on Feb. 6, John Muir on April 21, and Harvey Milk on May 22.
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