Dolly Parton Appreciation Day Declared in Manhattan
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has officially designated September 25th as “Dolly Parton Appreciation Day” following the country music star’s passing at the age of 80 last week.
The announcement was made on his Threads account this past Wednesday. He declared, “I am officially declaring 9/25 (“9 to 5”) as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in the Borough of Manhattan,” which included a proclamation image.
The chosen date nods to her famous anthem, “9 to 5.” In the proclamation, it emphasizes gratitude toward those dedicated to bettering the city and enriching lives.
It describes Parton’s strong connections to Tennessee and her philanthropic spirit, stating, “born and raised in Tennessee, Dolly Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated artists in American history, earning recognition for timeless songs, groundbreaking performances, and her distinctive voice and spirit.” It goes on to recognize her significant charitable efforts, noting the Imagination Library, which has distributed millions of books to children globally.
The aim is to honor Dolly’s “extraordinary life,” along with her “talent, kindness, and humanitarian spirit.” Interestingly, this local proclamation could gain traction in the state, as lawmakers in Albany have proposed a similar initiative.
State Senator Erik Bottcher, one of the bill’s sponsors, highlighted her contributions, saying, “She brought joy to millions, stood up for working people, championed the LGBTQ community and women’s empowerment, gave millions of children the gift of reading, and did it all with an extraordinary spirit of kindness and generosity.”
Senator Jeremy Cooney has also expressed support for the new holiday, noting his prior efforts to secure state funding for Dolly’s Imagination Library program.
Cooney remarked, “Dolly’s impact extends far beyond her musical talent, with her Imagination Library providing free monthly books to over 170,000 children in New York, supporting childhood literacy and bringing joy to families.”
