California will observe Dolly Parton Day annually on September 25 following the death of the country music singer at the age of 80.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Sunday establishing the annual day of remembrance in honour of Parton, who died on August 25 in Nashville.
The date was selected as a reference to Parton’s famous song “Nine to Five”. Written numerically, September 25 becomes 9-2-5, creating a connection to the 1980 hit.
“With this bill, we are not just establishing a day to celebrate Dolly Parton, we are creating an annual reminder to us, every year, to live the way she did – joyfully, graciously, and with a whole lot of heart,” said Newsom in the announcement.
The new law recognises Parton’s work as a singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist. She was one of country music’s most commercially successful artists, with the Californian government stating that she sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Parton was also recognised for her charitable work through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The foundation has distributed more than 300 million books to children around the world.
Parton’s career included songs such as “Jolene”, “Nine to Five” and “I Will Always Love You”. Her work across music, film and charitable initiatives made her a prominent figure beyond the country music industry.
Parton’s music received 52 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her accolades include eleven Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards. She logged 25 No. 1 Billboard country singles (tied with Reba McEntire for the most by a woman). She was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1984) and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2011).
