Nashville celebrates first-ever Dolly Parton Day
Nashville will mark the city’s first Dolly Parton Day on Friday with live music, food specials and fundraisers across Music City. The date falls on Sept. 25, a nod to Parton’s hit song “9 to 5.” Tennessee state and local officials are currently in the process of renaming Nashville International Airport after Parton.
Parton died of cancer last month at age 80. She had lived in Nashville since she was 18.
On Broadway, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s Friends in Low Places is donating every dollar it brings in Friday to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Nashville Public Library. Friends in Low Places is also collecting children’s books throughout the day.
Tennessee Brew Works is mixing music with another cause Parton cared about: animals. There will be live music, Parton-inspired food, drinks and bingo. Friends of Metro Animal Care and Control will also be there collecting donations and promoting pet adoption.
Parnassus Books is donating 9.25% of Friday’s proceeds to the Imagination Library. Hattie B’s will donate the value of one book for qualifying orders at its Tennessee locations.
Tennessee Performing Arts Center is offering $9.25 tickets to select upcoming performances while supplies last. Raising Cane’s customers can help raise money by mentioning “Music City” or “Dolly Day” when ordering, with 15% of the purchase going to the Dollywood Foundation. The chain will also have pink Dolly Day swag while supplies last.
Nashville Palace is focusing on children’s literacy. A children’s book drive starts at 7 p.m., with a special $5 “Dolly sparkle” drink. All proceeds from that drink go to the Imagination Library.
Tributes span the city
Ryman Auditorium will have a pink balloon arch and Parton music on the plaza, with a portion of store sales Friday benefiting the Imagination Library. Grand Ole Opry is donating $5 from every ticket sold for Saturday’s shows and tours to the Imagination Library. A portion of store sales will also benefit the program.
Tanger Outlets shoppers can search for golden butterflies hidden around the shopping center and turn one in for a free “cup of ambition” at Red Bicycle Coffee. Honeysuckle Hill Farm is hosting Dolly Day on the farm from 3 to 6 p.m., with a Parton corn maze, pink treats and a butterfly release in her memory.
Nashville International Airport will have Parton songs performed on its live music stage, Parton-inspired karaoke with Southwest Airlines, pink-lit parking garages and Parton-themed activities for travelers. Centennial Park Conservancy’s Parthenon will turn pink Friday, and Musicians Corner will offer free live music starting at 5 p.m.
Starting at 2 p.m., Jeni’s Ice Cream is scooping for a cause. Until 5 p.m., 25% of all in-shop sales nationwide will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Give Like Dolly is organizing a three-day giving campaign with 20 Middle Tennessee nonprofits selected from 555 applicants across four areas: Help a Child Succeed, Help Someone Heal, Help a Neighbor in Need and Help Someone Find Their Song.
All across Nashville at 5 p.m., venues throughout the city will play or perform “9 to 5” at the same time. At 9:25 p.m., there will be a brief fireworks show on the riverfront to close out Dolly Day.
