The world lost significant sparkle and empathy on August 25 when beloved country music and humanitarian icon Dolly Parton died.

Today (Friday, September 25), many locations across the United States are collectively celebrating Dolly Parton Day. Here’s everything you need to know, including how to join in.

Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee. She grew up in a humble one-bedroom home in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her 11 brothers and sisters.

Her musical talent was apparent from a young age. She wrote her first song at five with her mom transcribing the event because Dolly was not able to read or write yet. She moved to Nashville after high school graduation and was mentored by her songwriter uncle, Bill Owens.

In 1967, her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, was released which contained the singles “Dumb Blonde” and “Something Fishy.” She toured on the Porter Wagoner Show for seven years before going out on her own.

Her departure from the show inspired her hit single “I Will Always Love You.”

Beyond music, Parton was married to Carl Dean for almost 60 years until his 2025 passing. He preferred to stay out of the limelight, and the couple were never able to have children.

Perhaps partly because of this, Dolly mothered the world through her charitable efforts. The Dollywood Foundation gave scholarships to students in her home state.

The Imagination Library promoted literacy around the world by giving away free books. These are just some of her humanitarian efforts.

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