Portland Names September 25 Dolly Parton Day in Tribute to Her Legacy

Portland Is Giving Dolly Parton Her Own Day

Dolly Parton’s legacy is being honored in a special way in Portland, Oregon.

The city will recognize Friday, September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day through an official mayoral proclamation — a tribute that comes just weeks after the beloved country music icon passed away at 80.

And the date was chosen for a very Dolly reason.

September 25 is written as 9/25, a playful reference to one of her most famous songs and films, “9 to 5.”

The Meaning Behind 9/25

“9 to 5” became one of Dolly’s signature songs after she wrote it for the 1980 film starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

The song went far beyond becoming a hit. It became closely associated with working people and the struggles faced by women in the workplace.

Portland officials said the choice of September 25 was therefore more than just a clever connection to a famous Dolly song.

It was a way to recognize the message behind it, too.

A Celebration Before the Official Day

Portland will begin the celebration ahead of September 25.

A public ceremony is scheduled for September 23 at 9:30 a.m. before a Portland City Council meeting. The event will feature a musical performance by Nicole Onoscopi and Laurie McNichols, the Oregon state director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

The public is invited to attend.

Dolly’s Legacy Goes Far Beyond Music

For Portland, remembering Dolly isn’t only about her songs.

Her Imagination Library has distributed more than 300 million free books to children around the world, with children across Oregon benefiting from the program.

Her philanthropy became one of the most meaningful parts of her legacy, particularly her commitment to helping children discover the joy of reading.

That spirit is also reflected in how Portland is encouraging people to celebrate her.

Officials are asking residents to play Dolly’s music, read with a child, help a neighbor, give something back or simply do an act of kindness.

A City Remembering Dolly in Her Own Spirit

Dolly Parton spent more than six decades building a career that reached far beyond country music.

She became a songwriter, performer, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist whose influence touched generations.

Now Portland is giving her a day of its own — with a date that carries one of her most recognizable titles and a celebration centered on the values she became known for.

On September 25, Portland won’t simply be remembering the woman behind “9 to 5.”

It will be celebrating the music, generosity, kindness and legacy that Dolly Parton left behind.