Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Friday proclaimed September 25, 2026, as Dolly Day in Alabama, joining communities nationwide in celebrating Dolly Parton's life, legacy and commitment to children and families.
Governor Ivey selected September 25 as a nod to Parton's iconic song "9 to 5," calling it an opportunity to celebrate the impact she made through her music, generosity and dedication to improving children's lives.
"Dolly Day is a wonderful opportunity for Alabamians to celebrate the joy Dolly Parton brought to so many and the special legacy she created for our youngest learners," said Governor Ivey. "I encourage families across our state to mark the occasion in a way Dolly would surely appreciate by picking up a book, reading with a child and helping us inspire the next generation of Alabama readers."
Parton founded Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 1995 in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee. It has grown into an international movement reaching millions of children. In 2023, Governor Ivey signed Executive Order 729 establishing a statewide Imagination Library network in Alabama, expanding access to families in all 67 counties.
More than 121,000 Alabama children are now enrolled, and more than 3.1 million books have been mailed to children across the state.
Dolly Day also recognizes the families, educators, community partners and supporters across Alabama who continue Parton's mission by helping put books into the hands and homes of the state's youngest learners.
Parents and families can take part by enrolling eligible children in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Alabama at imaginationlibrary.com, reading with a child or contributing to their local Imagination Library program.