Tennessee Declares Dolly Parton Day As Fans Nationwide Celebrate

As the calendar turns to January 19, 2026, Tennessee—and indeed much of the United States—finds itself swept up in a wave of celebration for one of its most cherished icons: Dolly Parton. This year marks the 80th birthday of the legendary singer, songwriter, philanthropist, and all-around cultural force, and the festivities are as vibrant and varied as the woman herself.

On January 17, 2026, Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee signed a proclamation officially designating January 19 as Dolly Parton Day, an honor meant to recognize not only Parton’s milestone birthday, but also her indelible contributions to the state’s music, culture, and history. "Dolly Parton's life and career is woven into Tennessee's music, culture, and rich history," said Gov. Lee. "Her talent and generosity have made a lasting impact on the world, and it is fitting that we honor her 80th birthday by celebrating her remarkable legacy and dedication to the Volunteer State." According to the governor’s office, the proclamation encourages all Tennesseans to join in celebrating her enduring contributions.

Born January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly Parton’s journey from humble mountain beginnings to global superstardom is the stuff of American legend. Over the decades, she has worn many hats: singer, songwriter, musician, actress, producer, and entrepreneur. Her artistry has shaped the sound of country music and crossed over into pop, gospel, and even film. But Dolly’s impact doesn’t stop at the footlights. Through her Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, she has helped provide hundreds of millions of free books to children worldwide, fostering literacy and empowering young minds far beyond the borders of her home state.

Celebrations of Dolly’s 80th have been popping up everywhere, from the rolling hills of Tennessee to the lively streets of New Orleans and the quiet libraries of Virginia. In Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry House played host to a spectacular event dubbed "Opry Goes Dolly" on January 17. According to The Tennessean, the evening featured a taped welcome from Dolly herself and a star-studded lineup of performers, including Rhonda Vincent, Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, Sierra Hull, Elizabeth Nichols, Mark Wills, and the Opry Square Dancers. For many, the highlight was seeing Trannie Anderson step into the Opry circle for her first-ever performance, a moment that captured the spirit of mentorship and tradition Dolly herself has always championed. The event was a heartfelt musical tribute, with artists and fans alike gathering to honor the woman whose songs have soundtracked so many lives.

But Dolly’s influence isn’t confined to Tennessee. Down in Louisiana, her presence has long been felt and celebrated. As The Times-Picayune recalls, Parton was a guest of honor at the Krewe of Endymion parade in New Orleans back in 1988, riding a float and filming for her ABC variety series. She told the paper at the time, "I just think it’s a fascinating city, probably the most fascinating city in all the United States. There’s just so many colorful people here…the music is great and it’s really got a lot of atmosphere." Later that year, she filmed musical numbers in New Orleans and spent the summer in Natchitoches working on the beloved film "Steel Magnolias." She returned to Louisiana in 2016 for her "Plain and Simple" tour, performing at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Parton’s philanthropic reach is also evident in Louisiana, where her Imagination Library program has provided free books to more than 37,000 children since its founding in 1995. In 2020, a group of local fans founded the Krewe of Dolly, a whimsical organization devoted to supporting literacy initiatives and spreading Dolly’s spirit through parades and social gatherings. This year, the Krewe is throwing a birthday bash along Oak Street on January 18, complete with live music and a Dolly look-a-like contest—tickets start at $20, with proceeds supporting their good works. It’s a celebration that’s as colorful and community-minded as the star it honors.

Even in places where Dolly has never lived, her influence is unmistakable. In Harrisonburg, Virginia, fans gathered at the Massanutten Regional Library for a sing-along, cake, and readings from Dolly’s children’s books. Local singer-songwriter Rebecca Porter led the festivities, while the Community Foundation brought a life-size Dolly cutout to add a bit of sparkle. "Dolly Parton, in addition to being beautiful, glitzy, and glam, she’s always smiling and just like this beacon of positive energy," Porter told WHSV. For many in attendance, the event was about more than just music—it was about honoring a woman whose life and work have inspired generations. Lauren Jefferson, director of programs and marketing for the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg Rockingham County, explained, "I’m thrilled that the Community Foundation has started the program here. And we have about 4,400 kids. That’s about 44% of our eligible children in the valley. So we’re making a good impact on pre-literacy and literacy education here."

The festivities in Harrisonburg didn’t end at the library. That evening, a benefit concert titled "Back Through the Years: A Dolly Parton Birthday Celebration" took place at Pale Fire Brewing, organized by Rebecca Porter and her band the Rhinestone Roses, with several special guests. Proceeds from the concert were split between the local Imagination Library program and the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center, reflecting Dolly’s commitment to both literacy and inclusivity.

Of course, Dolly’s legacy is built on more than just her chart-topping hits and dazzling stage presence. Her philanthropic work—especially through the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library—has changed countless lives. Since its inception, the Imagination Library has delivered hundreds of millions of books to children around the world. In Louisiana alone, more than 37,000 children have benefited, and in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, thousands more are receiving books and encouragement to read. As Makayla Baker, a youth services specialist at Massanutten Regional Library, put it, "My most favorite part about today is just being able to bring a little piece of happiness to the community and knowing that Dolly meant so much to me as a kid. And so growing up, I’m going to cry, sorry. You know, she meant so much to me. And so I wanted to share that with the kids."

From the Grand Ole Opry’s hallowed stage to the parades of New Orleans and the story circles of small-town libraries, Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday has become an occasion for communities to come together, celebrate, and reflect on the power of music, generosity, and hope. As Governor Lee’s proclamation encourages, Tennesseans—and fans everywhere—are taking this moment to honor a woman whose life and work have left an indelible mark on the world. And as the music plays and the books keep coming, it’s clear that Dolly’s legacy is just getting started.