On August 5, 2019, David Briley the mayor of Nashville, TN, signed a proclamation recognizing the day as Dolly Parton Day. The proclamation states,
"We give thanks for Dolly's unparalleled career as an entertainer and philanthropist and her ability to touch millions of lives everywhere, including so many right here in Music City, with her moving music and her generous heart."
This honor acknowledges Dolly's long history with the city and Tennessee. It notes her debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage at the Ryman Auditorium at age 13 and her bold move to Music City at age 18.
Dolly Parton Day not only celebrates Dolly's outstanding musical career but also places high regard for her generosity. Dolly founded her Imagination Library first in Sevier County, TN in 1995. She then made the program available for replication statewide and today, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has gifted over 125 million free books to children around the world.
Both Dolly and the Imagination Library received a special honor from the National Conference of State Legislatures at its 2019 Legislative Summit held at Music City Center in Nashville, TN.
Pictured Above: Dolly Parton, David Briley (Mayor of the City of Nashville, TN)
Photo Courtesy of the Mayor’s Office
Dolly’s Pirates Voyage in Myrtle Beach, SC opened to a sold-out crowd on, June 23, 2011. Dolly herself was there to welcome the hundreds of guests to her newest attraction. She was greeted by screams as she made her way to the Pirates Village stage.
In addition to members of the community, South Carolina Governor Alan Clemmons was there to welcome Dolly back to the Myrtle Beach area. Before the grand opening, Governor Clemmons presented Dolly with a proclamation from the South Carolina General Assembly naming that Friday as ”Dolly Parton Day” across the state.
In another interview, Dolly told reporters she could remember visiting Myrtle Beach as a child with her family. Dolly also told the crowd, she was very proud of her new show, saying,
“You know me. I’m kind of daring and adventurous, so I decided to change it up a bit.”
Gratefully accepting the honor, Dolly told the crowd that South Carolina was very near and dear to her heart, because her mother was born there and it felt like a second home to her.
