Over 145 events are being planned to celebrate first 'Dolly Day' following Dolly Parton's death
Nashville, Tenn., the city where Dolly Parton built much of her career, will be the epicenter of a day of tributes, concerts, charity activities and events to honor the singer.
Dolly Parton in Los Angeles / Valerie MACON
Fans of Dolly Parton will gather this Friday, Sept. 25, to celebrate the first "Dolly Day," a day dedicated to honoring the legacy of the artist, who passed away on Aug. 25 at the age of 80.
According to Axios, Nashville, Tenn., will host more than 145 special events, parties and fundraising activities, while new initiatives have been announced both in the United States and in other countries. The date of Sept. 25 also references one of Parton's best-known songs, "9 to 5."
The celebration aims to keep alive some of the key pillars of Parton's legacy: music, generosity and support for literacy. In Nashville, cafes and bars will offer special products and menus inspired by the singer, many of them featuring the signature pink color associated with her image.
In addition, more than 30 music venues plan to perform "9 to 5" at 5 p.m., while a fireworks display in downtown Nashville, scheduled for 9:25 p.m., will close out the day.
Businesses join Parton's cause
Several companies and organizations will also participate by making donations to philanthropic causes linked to Parton.
The Grand Ole Opry will donate $5 from every ticket sold for Friday's shows and tours to the Imagination Library, the literacy initiative spearheaded by Parton.
Hattie B's will donate one book for every qualifying meal purchased at its Tennessee locations, with the exception of those located in airports.
Also, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will donate the proceeds from the day's sales at their Nashville venue, Friends in Low Places, to the Nashville Public Library and the Imagination Library.
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Donations to Tennessee organizations
The Give Like Dolly campaign, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, received applications from 555 nonprofit organizations.
Of these, 20 were selected to receive grants focused on four areas related to Parton's philanthropic work: helping children succeed, supporting people in recovery, helping neighbors in need, and providing access to music and the arts.
Beneficiary organizations include Nashville CARES, Dismas House, Girls Write Nashville, Nashville Children's Theatre, and the Country Music Hall of Fame's Words & Music program.
Tribute extends beyond Nashville
Imagination Library affiliates in Florida, Virginia and Ohio have seen an increase in donations and enrollments since Parton's death on Aug. 25.
In West Virginia, the literacy organization Read Aloud West Virginia is matching donations made during September to local Imagination Library affiliates when donors indicate that the contribution is made "in memory of Dolly."
In London, U.K., meanwhile, Imagination Library will expand its reach and double the number of districts it serves.
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