On Monday, January 19, Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday. The country star has a lifetime of achievements to celebrate, more than can be put into just one day. Not only is she one of the few artists to be nominated for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony. Parton's also written over 3,000 songs, and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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It's clear that, even while she's still alive, Parton has become a living legend. This is why, on her birthday this year, the Tennessee Governor declared that January 19 be the official "Dolly Parton Day."
Governor Bill Lee shared a notice that recognizes that Dolly and her lifelong legacy will be honored on this day for years to come.
"Dolly Parton is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, musician, actress, producer, and entrepreneur whose body of work embodies the spirit of Tennessee;" his notice reads. "And throughout her remarkable career, Dolly Parton has earned numerous awards and accolades and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and beloved artists in the history of American music."
"I, Bill Lee, Governor of the State of Tennessee, do hereby proclaim January 19, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day in Tennessee, and encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance."
Parton Recognized for Her Philanthropic Work in New Proclamation
You can't not acknowledge the impact Dolly Parton has had on American music as a whole. But on this day, she's also remembered for the contributions to the community she's made. Notably, her work in Middle Tennessee through the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library.
The notice continues, "In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Dolly Parton has demonstrated an enduring commitment to philanthropy and service, most notably through the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, which began in Tennessee and has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children around the world, helping to promote early childhood literacy and educational opportunity;"
"Dolly Patton'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."
The state of Tennessee has tried to recognize the singer before, once with a statue at the Capitol in 2021. The gesture, at the time, was meant to kill two birds with one stone. It would give Tennessee a reason to remove the statues of Confederate soldiers, firstly. Secondly, it gave the state an excuse to honor one of it's most accomplished people. However, Dolly refused the gesture. "Given all that is going on in the world, I don't think putting me on a pedestal is appropriate right now," she stated in a letter. And that was that.
Now, we have a new holiday to celebrate in her honor. "Dolly Parton Day" is now an official day, according to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
