It’s not everyone who gets a whole day named after them, and even fewer on their birthdays. However, in 2026, Tennessee officially declared 19 January as Dolly Parton Day in perpetuity. The day became officially recognised in 2026, on Dolly Parton‘s 80th birthday.
The proclamation was signed by the state’s governor, Bill Lee.
“Dolly Parton’s life and career is woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and rich history,” said Bill Lee in a statement. “Her talent and generosity have made a lasting impact on the world.”
“It is fitting that we honor her 80th birthday by celebrating her remarkable legacy and dedication to the Volunteer State.”
No template / Incompatible templateSo how shall we celebrate? We suggest blasting some ‘9 to 5’ for the rest of the week!
After a year wracked with health issues and concert delays, Dolly is clearly getting back to business.
Born in 1946 in Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly is more than an iconic singer and performer; she has also made her name in philanthropy.
Through the Imagination Library and the Dollywood Foundation, she’s provided a free book program initially to help the children in her hometown, which now operates in five different countries.
Ahead of her 80th birthday, Dolly celebrated her induction to the Grand Ole Opry, the iconic country music venue in Nashville, Tennessee.
“I thought back to how I’d perform on my porch at my Tennessee mountain home, imagining that one day I was going to be on the Grand Ole Opry. By becoming an official member, I would forever be associated with the Opry. It was a dream come true. And it still is,” she wrote in a post.
The music venue hosted a show to celebrate Dolly Parton’s music on 17 January; however, she was unable to attend.
In 2025, Dolly Parton had to cancel and delay her Las Vegas concert due to “health challenges”.
However, despite her sister asking fans to send prayers her way, Dolly has apparently made a full recovery.
“I know lately everyone thinks I’m sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you!” while sitting on the set of a commercial for the Grand Ole Opry.
The country singer went on to say, “I appreciate your prayers because I’m a person of faith… but I want you to know that I’m doing okay.” She captioned the post, “I ain’t dead yet.”
Dolly explained that when her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, fell ill, she neglected her own health and “let a lot of things go that [she] should have been taking care of.” When she finally got around to seeing her GP, it was a wake-up call that she needed to slow down. She highlighted that her “health challenges” were “nothing major.”
