Tennessee Honors Dolly Parton With Statewide Celebration

On January 19, 2026, the state of Tennessee will officially pause to honor one of its most beloved and influential natives: Dolly Parton. As she turns 80 years old, the legendary singer-songwriter, philanthropist, and cultural icon is being celebrated with the proclamation of "Dolly Parton Day," a tribute that recognizes both her extraordinary career and her profound impact on generations of fans and fellow Tennesseans. The announcement, made by Governor Bill Lee, is more than a ceremonial gesture; it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of a woman whose life and work have shaped not just the sound of country music, but the very fabric of Tennessee’s cultural identity.

“Dolly Parton’s life and career is woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and rich history,” Governor Lee stated in the official proclamation, according to Rolling Stone. “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.” This sentiment is echoed throughout the state’s formal recognition, which highlights Parton’s achievements as an acclaimed singer, songwriter, musician, actress, producer, and entrepreneur—roles she has filled with an energy and grace that few can match.

Born on January 19, 1946, in a modest cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton was the fourth of twelve children. Growing up in relative poverty, music was both an escape and a source of joy for the Parton family. Dolly has often recalled those early years as being filled with love and song, despite the hardships. “We were all happy, and often relied on music as an outlet, which I later turned into a career,” she once said, as reported by Hello! magazine.

Parton’s journey from rural Tennessee to international stardom began in the 1950s, when she started performing as a young singer-songwriter. By her late teens, she was writing songs for other artists and had signed her first record deal. However, it was her invitation to join The Porter Wagoner Show in the late 1960s that truly launched her career. The duets she recorded with Wagoner brought her commercial success and introduced her to a national audience.

The 1970s marked Dolly’s rise to solo superstardom. Signature hits like "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and "Here You Come Again" became anthems of the era, and in 1979 she took home her first Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female. Her influence only grew in the 1980s, with the release of the film 9 to 5—in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin—and its Oscar-nominated title track. The decade also saw the opening of Dollywood, her now-famous theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Parton continued to reinvent herself musically, experimenting with bluegrass and rock, and collaborating with artists across genres. Whitney Houston’s blockbuster cover of "I Will Always Love You" brought renewed attention to Dolly’s songwriting prowess, while her own albums and performances continued to garner critical and commercial acclaim. Honors poured in: the Living Legend Medal from the U.S. Library of Congress, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, to name just a few.

Even as she entered her seventh decade in the music industry, Dolly showed no signs of slowing down. Her 2014 album, Blue Smoke, became her highest-charting solo effort on the Billboard 200 to that point, and she made a memorable appearance at the UK’s Glastonbury Festival. In 2023, she ventured into new territory with her first rock album, Rockstar, which became her highest-charting album ever and her first to break into the Billboard 200’s top five.

But Dolly Parton’s legacy extends far beyond her music. She is widely celebrated for her philanthropy, particularly through the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library. These initiatives have provided hundreds of millions of free books to children around the world, promoting early childhood literacy and educational opportunity. As the Tennessee proclamation notes, “Dolly Parton’s generosity, humility, and dedication to improving the lives of others exemplify the values of the Volunteer State and serve as an inspiration to Tennesseans and people worldwide.”

To mark her 80th birthday, Parton chose to give back once again. She released a new rendition of her 1977 hit "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," featuring a powerhouse lineup of collaborators: Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, Queen Latifah, and Miley Cyrus. According to Billboard, net proceeds from the song will benefit pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. “As I celebrate my 80th birthday, this new version is my way of using what I’ve been blessed with to shine a little light forward, especially by sharing it with some truly incredible women,” Parton shared in a statement, as reported by Rolling Stone.

The charity single is more than just a birthday celebration—it’s a reflection of Parton’s lifelong commitment to service. The collaboration and the cause have resonated with fans and fellow artists alike, reinforcing Dolly’s reputation as a force for good in the world. It’s a fitting gesture for a milestone year, and one that speaks volumes about her character and priorities.

Looking ahead, Parton shows no intention of stepping back from the spotlight. Later in 2026, she is set to embark on a Las Vegas residency, proving yet again that her passion for performing—and for connecting with her audience—remains as strong as ever. Through personal challenges, including the loss of her husband Carl Dean, and her own health battles, Dolly has continued to create, inspire, and uplift.

With 25 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, a career that has spanned seven decades, and a philanthropic legacy that reaches across continents, Dolly Parton is more than a music legend—she’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and generosity. On Dolly Parton Day, Tennessee and the world pause to honor not just her achievements, but the spirit of kindness and possibility she embodies. As the Volunteer State celebrates its favorite daughter, it’s clear that Dolly’s light shines brighter than ever—and shows no sign of dimming any time soon.