Nashville creates Dolly Day to be celebrated on 9/25
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Starting this year, an annual Dolly Day in Nashville will celebrate the legendary artist's legacy of philanthropy and giving back to the community.
Why it matters: Nashvillians can celebrate Dolly Parton on 9/25 — chosen in honor of her hit song "9 to 5" — by giving to her charitable causes, performing random acts of kindness or simply wearing pink.
Driving the news: The creation of Dolly Day was announced Thursday by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, the Music Community Foundation, Mayor Freddie O'Connell's office and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
- The event will, of course, include musical performances, with bands performing "9 to 5" at 5pm on stages across the city.
- Businesses are encouraged to light their buildings pink, and local eateries will offer Dolly-themed specials.
- The festivities will conclude with a brief fireworks display downtown at 9:25pm.
Yes, but: Giving back will be at the root of Dolly Day, just like it was at the center of Parton's career.
- The Community Foundation is launching the Give Like Dolly campaign as part of the Dollywood Foundation's national Give Like Dolly initiative.
- Starting on Sept. 25, donors can support local nonprofits across four areas of special interest to Parton, helping children, helping people heal, helping neighbors in need and "helping someone find their song."
- "Dolly has shown us what can happen when generosity is rooted in a genuine love for community," Community Foundation CEO Hal Cato said in a statement.
Zoom in: People can also give directly to Parton's Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee.
- Superstars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood pledged to donate proceeds from their downtown honky-tonk on Sept. 25 to the Nashville Public Library and the Imagination Library.
What's next: In recognition of Parton's tremendous contributions to the city, O'Connell will read a proclamation officially proclaiming Sept. 25 as Dolly Day in Nashville.
If you go: Free Dolly Day buttons, stickers and bookmarks will be available at visitor information centers at Bridgestone Arena and Fifth + Broadway.
- Residents and visitors are invited to leave messages pledging how they plan to carry on Parton's kindness at the Bridgestone Arena visitor center.
- Visit the CVC's website for more information, including fun activities on Dolly Day.