Seattle is marking Sept. 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day, celebrating the late entertainer and philanthropist’s legacy.
Seattle is marking Sept. 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day, with city leaders and literacy advocates celebrating the late entertainer and philanthropist’s legacy through children’s programming and community events.
On Tuesday, Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck presented a proclamation during a Dolly Parton-themed story hour at the Seattle Public Library’s Queen Anne Branch, held in partnership with Imagination Library of Washington and Seattle Public Library (SPL).
Families attended a Dolly Parton-themed story hour at Seattle Public Libraries' Queen Anne branch on Sept. 22, 2026. (Seattle City Council)“Dolly Parton is a shining example of kind, generous leadership and represents the best of us. She was unapologetically herself, and her lasting cultural impact will be felt for generations to come, particularly because of her work with the Imagination Library,” Rinck said. “Seattle will always love and miss Dolly Parton.”
“Ms. Parton's books, music, movies, and her philanthropic legacy as a champion of children's literacy will shine on for generations," said SPL Chief Librarian Tom Fay.
More than 25 families attended the “Celebrating Dolly: A Story Hour Tribute” event, which featured readings by Washington-based children’s authors whose books have been included in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The event highlighted Parton’s focus on access to books for children.
The city’s recognition comes as communities across the country plan celebrations on Sept. 25, a date tied to Parton’s 1980 hit comedy “9 to 5.” Parton passed away on Aug. 25, 2026.
Additional local events are planned beyond the library story time. Seattle Parks and Recreation is hosting a Dolly Parton-inspired silent disco from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, followed by a screening of “9 to 5” at 6:30 p.m. at Denny Park.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, founded in 1995, mails free, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age five to support early literacy.
The program expanded to Washington state in 2022 through Imagination Library of Washington and has distributed nearly 4.5 million books to Washington kids, with more than 100,000 children currently enrolled statewide.
Last week, Imagination Library of Washington announced a new partnership with Page Ahead to expand the program to more families in King and Spokane counties. Washington families can enroll by registering online.
Read the City Council's proclamation at this link.
