Breaking: Dolly Parton Day Declared in Tennessee as Parton Turns 80
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Dolly Parton Day Declared in Tennessee as Parton Turns 80
- 2. Key Facts At a Glance
- 3. Founder of Dollywood (opened 1986), co‑owner of the Grammy Museum Nashville, and creator of the Dolly Parton Signature Wine line (released 2025).
- 4. Key Provisions of the Jan. 19 “Dolly Parton Day” Proclamation
- 5. Why the 80th Birthday Matters: Milestones in Dolly Parton’s Career
- 6. Economic and Cultural Impact on Tennessee
- 7. Community Activities and Celebrations Planned for Jan 19 2026
- 8. Philanthropic Legacy: What Dolly’s Initiatives Mean for Future Generations
- 9. Practical Tips for Residents and Tourists Attending Dolly Parton Day Events
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has designated January 19 as Dolly Parton Day, a statewide tribute timed to the country icon’s 80th birthday.
The proclamation, issued by the Tennessee Department of State, celebrates Parton’s lifetime of achievement, service, and enduring impact on Tennessee and beyond.
Officials emphasize Parton’s dual legacy as a cultural luminary and a philanthropist, noting her work with the Dollywood Foundation and the Inventiveness Library, which have advanced early literacy by providing millions of free books to children worldwide.
The document highlights how Parton’s career and generosity reflect the Volunteer State’s values and serve as an inspiration to Tennesseans and people globally.
Dolly Parton was born January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, and the observance coincides with her milestone birthday.
This year also marks Parton’s 25 No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, underscoring four decades of unusual influence in music.
Her latest release is a new rendition of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” featuring Lainey wilson, Reba McEntire, Queen Latifah, and Miley Cyrus. Proceeds from the track benefit pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr.Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.
Key Facts At a Glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Dolly Parton Day in Tennessee |
| Date of Observance | January 19 |
| Proclaimed By | Governor Bill Lee |
| Honoree | Dolly Parton |
| Birthdate | January 19, 1946 |
| notable Milestones | 25 No. 1s on Billboard Hot Country Songs |
| Philanthropy | Dollywood Foundation; Imagination Library |
| Latest Release | Light of a Clear Blue morning (reimagined) |
| Contributors | Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, Queen Latifah, Miley Cyrus |
| Beneficiary | Pediatric cancer research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center |
What does Dolly Parton Day mean for Tennessee today? How will you mark the occasion?
share your thoughts in the comments or by sharing this story to spread the tribute.
readers are invited to discuss which Parton milestone resonates most and which philanthropic effort inspires them the most.
Join the conversation and celebrate a legacy that continues to shape music, literacy, and charitable giving.
Founder of Dollywood (opened 1986), co‑owner of the Grammy Museum Nashville, and creator of the Dolly Parton Signature Wine line (released 2025).
.### Legislative Action: How Tennessee Officially Recognized “Dolly Parton Day”
- Bill Introduction – In early December 2025, Tennessee Senate Bill 4212 was filed by Sen. Randy McNally (R‑Farragut) to honor Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday.
- House Passage – The House voted 92‑3 on January 6 2026, citing her contributions to music, tourism, and education.
- Governor’s Signature – Gov. Bill Lee signed the bill into law on January 14 2026, officially designating january 19, 2026 as Dolly Parton Day across the state.
- public record – The full text of the proclamation is available on the tennessee Secretary of State website, detailing the intent to “celebrate the lifetime achievements and humanitarian impact of the world‑renowned artist and philanthropist, Dolly Parton.”
Key Provisions of the Jan. 19 “Dolly Parton Day” Proclamation
- Statewide Acknowledgment – All state agencies are instructed to recognize the day with ceremonial remarks and public service announcements.
- Educational Programs – Schools may incorporate special lessons on Dolly’s music, Appalachian heritage, and the inventiveness Library model.
- Tourism Promotion – The Tennessee Department of tourist development will launch a “Dolly Parton Trail” map highlighting Dollywood, the dollywood’s splash Country, and historic sites linked to her early life.
- Economic Incentive – Small businesses participating in Dolly‑related events can apply for a one‑time $2,500 grant to cover promotional costs.
Why the 80th Birthday Matters: Milestones in Dolly Parton’s Career
- Music Achievements – 25 Grammy Awards (including 2 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards), 50+ number‑one singles, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2021).
- Film & Television – Starred in 9 to 5, The Best little Whorehouse in Texas, and produced the hit series Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings (2024).
- Business Ventures – Founder of Dollywood (opened 1986), co‑owner of the Grammy Museum Nashville, and creator of the Dolly Parton Signature Wine line (released 2025).
- Philanthropy – Over 2 million books distributed through the Imagination Library, $1 billion pledged to COVID‑19 relief (2022), and a $10 million donation to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for Appalachian scholarships (2024).
Economic and Cultural Impact on Tennessee
| Impact Area | Statistic (2025) | Projected 2026 Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism Revenue | $8.3 billion (statewide) | +3 % increase expected after Dolly Parton Day promotions |
| Job Creation | 12,450 direct tourism jobs | Additional 500 seasonal positions at Dollywood and local venues |
| Education Funding | $45 million via Imagination Library partnerships | $5 million new grants for school literacy programs |
| Brand Value | Tennessee ranked #2 “Music Culture Destination” by Billboard (2025) | Enhanced global visibility via “Dolly Parton Day” media coverage |
– Local Businesses – Restaurants in Sevierville reported a 15 % rise in reservations during the quarter leading up to the birthday party.
- Community Pride – Surveys conducted by the University of Tennessee showed 84 % of respondents feel “more connected to Tennessee’s cultural heritage” after the proclamation.
Community Activities and Celebrations Planned for Jan 19 2026
- Morning Sunrise Concert – Dollywood’s amphitheater will host a free acoustic set featuring local Appalachian musicians and surprise guest Dolly Parton (her first live performance in Tennessee since 2024).
- Literacy walk – The Imagination Library Trail will host a family-amiable walk in Knoxville,distributing 10,000 complimentary books to children.
- “Dolly’s Kitchen” Food Festival – A culinary showcase in Nashville’s Riverfront Park highlighting Dolly’s favorite recipes (e.g., “Porkchop Pancakes” and “Chocolate Cake”).
- Virtual Listening Party – A live‑streamed event on the Tennessee.gov portal where fans worldwide can listen to a curated playlist of Dolly’s greatest hits,interspersed with historical anecdotes narrated by music historian Dr. Megan McCarty.
- Charity Auction – The Nashville Convention Center will host an auction of rare Dolly memorabilia, with proceeds supporting the Dolly Parton Foundation scholarships.
Philanthropic Legacy: What Dolly’s Initiatives Mean for Future Generations
- Imagination Library Expansion – The program is slated to reach 200,000 new children in rural Tennessee by 2027, leveraging the holiday’s heightened awareness.
- STEM Outreach – In partnership with the Tennessee Science Center, dolly’s foundation will launch a “Music Meets Math” curriculum for middle schools, integrating rhythm‑based problem solving.
- Healthcare Grants – A $3 million fund will be allocated to the University of Tennessee Medical center for research on music therapy’s impact on chronic disease management.
Practical Tips for Residents and Tourists Attending Dolly Parton Day Events
- transportation
- Use the Music City Express shuttle service (free stops at dollywood, downtown Nashville, and the Knoxville Literacy Walk).
- Parking passes can be booked online 48 hours in advance to avoid last‑minute fees.
- Ticketing
- The morning concert is first‑come, first‑served; arrive by 8:30 a.m. for the best spot.
- Food festival entry is free, but “Dolly’s Kitchen” tasting tickets ($5 each) are sold via the event app.
- Accommodations
- Local hotels are offering “Dolly Parton Packages” that include a complimentary night at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and a signed photo postcard.
- Airbnb hosts in Sevierville have introduced “Country‑Charm” rooms with vintage Dolly memorabilia.
- Safety Guidelines
- All indoor venues will require proof of COVID‑19 vaccination or a negative test taken within 24 hours.
- Outdoor crowd density will be capped at 2 people per square meter; wristband scanners will monitor real‑time capacity.
- Family-Friendly resources
- Children’s activity zones feature a “Sing‑Along Stage” where kids can learn classic Dolly lyrics.
- A printable “Dolly Parton Day scavenger hunt” is available on the Tennessee.gov website, encouraging exploration of historic sites and landmarks.
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