Give Like Dolly Day - Dolly Parton Day
About Give Like Dolly Day
When is Give Like Dolly Day Celebrated? This special day is always observed on September 25
On Give Like Dolly Day, we take a few moments to look back at the life of Dolly Parton and the legacy of a truly remarkable woman. Shortly after her death, this new holiday emerged to honor and celebrate a great American music and philanthropic icon. This September 25 holiday is also called Dolly Parton Day.
Dolly Parton’s music career lasted six decades. During that time, she wrote thousands of songs. In addition to her music, Dolly was an actress. She appeared in movies, the theater, and on television. Among the 20 films she appeared in, Dolly is best known for her starring role and debut in the movie Nine To Five. Additionally, she played in 12 theatrical performances and appeared in over 400 television shows.
While we all loved this American legend for her musical contributions, she was also a great philanthropist. Her Imagination Library, created in 1995, promotes children’s literacy. As of 2026, the Imagination Library has donated over 314 million books worldwide to children under 5. The Dollywood foundation, created in 1988, seeks to lower teenage school dropout rates. She is a donor to countless other important causes.
In honor of her memory, we encourage you to “Give Like Dolly” today.
Give Like Dolly Day Trivia
Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy as one of America’s finest musicians as well as a great philanthropist. Here are some interesting Dolly Parton trivia and fun facts:
- She was born Dolly Rebecca Parton in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, on January 19, 1946.
- She has 11 siblings, and is the fourth born.
- She is not a true blonde. Her natural hair color is dark brown.
- She had over 100 wigs.
- Her career spanned six decades.
- She wrote an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 songs, depending upon who is counting. A number of them were recorded by other artists.
- Primarily a country western singer and songwriter, she also wrote and sang many religious songs as well as songs in other genres.
- She received 190 awards and 384 nominations, including 10 Grammys and a 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award.
- In 1999, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- In 2022, she became an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Her star is on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- She was just 5’0″ tall.
- She frequently wore shirts and dresses decorated with rhinestones.
- She was married to Carl Thomas Dean for 60 years until his death in 2025.
- She has a theme park named Dollywood.
- She died from cancer on August 25, 2026.
How to Celebrate and Participate in Give Like Dolly Day
Here are some of the many ways to enjoy Give Like Dolly Day:
- Listen to Dolly Parton’s music.
- Watch the movie Nine To Five.
- Learn more about her.
- Make a donation of new children’s books to her Imagination Library.
- If you have the financial means, become a philanthropist to the extent that it fits your budget.
- Municipalities are encouraged to hold parades.
- Decorate your home and office in pink.
- Wear clothing with rhinestones on it.
Today's Quote
“I try to see the good in everybody, and I don’t care who people are as long as they’re themselves, whatever that is.” – – Dolly Parton
History and Origin of Give Like Dolly Day
Shortly after Dolly Parton’s death, the Dollywood Foundation established September 25 as Give Like Dolly Day. The objective of this international holiday is to honor her legacy and her lifelong philanthropic efforts in her Imagination Library. The Imagination Library supports children’s literacy by providing free books to young children under five years of age. On September 20, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the passage of Bill SB931. It proclaims September 25 as Dolly Parton Day. During its year of inception in 2026, the state of California and many municipalities around the country celebrated Dolly and her life.
Undoubtedly, this holiday will spread. We believe it ultimately will become an International holiday.
In addition to this holiday, her home state of Tennessee recognizes January 19 as Dolly Parton Day. This is her birthdate.
This Day in History
In addition to the Give Like Dolly Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- Vasco Nunez de Balboa discovers the Pacific Ocean. Tell that to Pacific Islanders and a whole bunch of people on the east coast of Asia. (1513)
- Bruce Jenner officially changes his gender to female, and her name to Caitlyn. (2015)
- Mark Hamill, actor, played Luke in “Star Wars”, was born on this day in 1951.
Related Holidays
People who like celebrating Give Like Dolly Day will also like:
More September 25 Holidays
By all means, Give Like Dolly Day is not the only September 25 holiday. Here are more of them for you to celebrate and enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous September Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Recipe of the Day: Quick Spinach Dip
Also See: Fall Recipes and Holiday Recipes
Houseplant of the Day: Aloe Vera Plants
Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for Give Like Dolly Day or just about any September calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!
Holiday Insights, where every day in September is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. So, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to Give Like Dolly Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays on a regular basis. September holidays are no exception. At Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.