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King County Council Proclaims 9/25 ‘Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day’
Communities are hosting book drives, proclamations and themed events to support Parton’s Imagination Library, which has distributed more than 300 million free books worldwide.
On Friday, Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda proclaimed September 25 as 'Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day,' honoring the late country music icon through citywide library events and community celebrations.
Parton's legacy of literacy and philanthropy drove the celebrations, as her Imagination Library program has delivered more than 300 million free books to children globally since 1995, fulfilling her dream of supporting early childhood reading.
Local businesses and organizations joined festivities across Seattle, with McMenamins donating $2 from special 'Cup of Ambition' drinks to the Imagination Library, while Seattle Parks and Recreation hosted a Dolly-inspired silent disco and movie screening at Denny Park.
Beyond Seattle, organizers Nick Blanchard and Kelly Forbes led book drives in Raleigh, North Carolina, while Public Health Seattle-King County provided vaccine resources at local events, bridging Parton's philanthropic interests with community health needs.
The Dollywood Foundation continues Parton's mission by sending free books monthly to children from birth until age 5, ensuring her impact on early childhood literacy endures long after her death one month ago.